Table of Contents
Coach Chris Musa Danjuma is understandably optimistic after Nigeria’s U20 girls (Falconets of Nigeria) advanced to the final of the women’s football event at the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.
The seasoned tactician was pleased to witness substitutes Judith Adaobi Okah and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who came off the bench, score the goals that eliminated Uganda’s U20 team in the semifinals, securing their spot in Thursday’s final against hosts Ghana.
Join our Telegram Channel for Updates
“We had opportunities in the first half that we should have capitalized on, but we’re pleased to have scored two goals in the second half and reached the final. It’s a chance for us to defend our gold medal from the last edition in Morocco, and we’ll do everything possible to win and bring joy to Nigerians. While our focus is on retaining our gold medal in the African Games, we’re also mindful of our unfinished business with Ghana,” Danjuma stated.
The “unfinished business” refers to the WAFU B U20 Championship held in Ghana last year, where the host nation narrowly defeated the Falconets in the final to claim the regional title. Danjuma’s team has been dominant in Cape Coast, scoring eight goals in three matches without conceding any, and displaying solidity across various areas as they prepare for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia, for which they have already qualified.
Despite utilizing three different goalkeepers in the home-and-away World Cup qualifying matches against Tanzania and Burundi, Danjuma seems to have settled on World Cup bronze medallist Faith Omilana, who has started in goal in all matches in Cape Coast. The defensive trio of Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani, and captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem have been resilient, while the midfield has been bolstered by the experience of Yina Adoo and Chioma Olise, supported by Loveth Edeh and Bunmi Oladeji. In the attacking department, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Chinyere Kalu face competition from Olushola Shobowale and Adaobi Okah.
The final on Thursday will kick off at 8:00 PM Ghana time (9:00 PM Nigeria time).
