Nigeria’s Falconets face China PR on Thursday with their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign already under pressure after losing 2-0 to Spain.
The result left Moses Aduku’s side without a point after the opening Group F fixture. China, however, started strongly with a 5-0 victory over New Caledonia. Huang Jiaxin scored a hat-trick in that win, while China moved top of the group on goal difference.
The Falconets must now produce a positive result against China. Aduku has already stressed the need for his players to move forward after the Spain defeat.
The Nigerian coach said after the opening game: “We have put the match against Spain behind us and focussing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China.”
That response will be important when the teams meet at Stadion Sosnowiec. Nigeria struggled to find the final touch against Spain and failed to score despite creating opportunities in the second half.
China will enter the contest with considerable confidence after their opening-day display. They defeated New Caledonia 5-0 on Monday.
The result gives China three points and a superior goal difference over Spain. Nigeria, by contrast, need points after their opening defeat.
Nigeria’s task is clear. They need to respond against China before facing New Caledonia in their final group fixture.
The Falconets have reached the U20 World Cup final twice. They finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2014. They have also qualified for every edition of the tournament since its creation in 2002.
However, their immediate focus is on China.
The Asian side have already shown their attacking threat. Nigeria must therefore improve their finishing while limiting China’s pace and movement in the final third.
The China-Nigeria clash is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, with kick-off set for 5pm Nigerian time.
For Aduku and the Falconets, the message is simple. The Spain defeat is behind them. Now they must produce the response they need to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
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