Nigeria U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Moses Aduku says the Falconets are ready to face England in their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 clash, with the team determined to fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking ahead of the knockout-stage encounter, Aduku said the team is taking the competition one game at a time while hoping to remain in the tournament until the end.
“This is football and we are hoping and believing that we will remain till the end of the competition, but one game at a time,” Aduku said.
The Coach expressed his happiness at Nigeria’s progress but also acknowledged the responsibility of being the only African team remaining in the competition.
“We are happy for our country, but it is emotional for the continent because we are the only team representing Africa,” he added.
Aduku expects a difficult game against England and acknowledged the quality of their opponents. However, he believes the Falconets have prepared well and the players are becoming more confident as the tournament continues.
“It is going to be a tough one. We know they are a good side, but we have tried to convince the girls that the game has just started. We have prepared, and the girls are also getting along well,” he explained.
The coach also expressed his confidence in his players, saying Nigeria will approach the 90-minute battle with determination and the belief that they can progress to the quarter-finals.
“As the Coach, I believe in my team and we are confident that we will go through. It doesn’t matter if they are the ones that colonised Nigeria. We will go there in those 90 minutes and come out stronger for the quarter-finals,” Aduku said.
Aduku also described the current Falconets squad as an important part of Nigeria’s football future, noting the progress the young players are already making despite the challenges surrounding the team.
“This is the future for Nigeria and the girls are really playing like this already. A lot of convincing has been put into this for us to continue the building,” he said.
With the knockout stage now underway, the Coach described the England clash as a battle and called on his players to give everything on the pitch.
“It is like a battleground now, and the Falconets are ready to put in their best.”
Aduku also stated that reaching the quarter-finals would not come as a surprise to the team, as the technical crew and staff have always set their sights on winning competitions and qualifying for the World Cup.
