The National U20 Women's football team, the Falconets is on
the verge of making history as they take on their American counterparts for a
ticket to their second consecutive final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in
Japan.
The Falconets, the first semi-final appearance by an African
nation in a FIFA women's tournament. lost 1-0 to hosts, Germany in a keenly
contested final of the 2010 edition and a win over the equally tough USA team
tomorrow, will make them the first team to play in two consecutive finals since
the competition began in 2002.
Germany too is contesting the other semi final against
hosts, Japan, later tomorrow.
Nigeria and USA came close to the exit door along the way.
For the Nigerians, they had to endure a nervy period in their 1-0 quarter-final
win against Mexico, when El Tri it was that created the better chances in the
second half and extra time.
The Americans, for their part, also needed extra time to
oust Korea DPR in the last eight - this after only edging into the quarters
ahead of China PR on goal difference.
These travails do however mean that both the Falconets and
the Stars and Stripes have proven that, in terms of mental toughness, they are
a match for anyone. And as is so often the case in football, victory may well
go to the side that keeps their nerve, which Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie and
USA's Chioma Ubogagu both did to score extra-time winners for their respective
nations last time out.
Coach of the Nigerian team, Edwin Okon is confident his
wards will overcome the tough Americans.
"My team's getting better every day. If you want to be
better tomorrow, you have to put in the hard work today - that's our
philosophy. After having lost in the final in 2010, we want to reach that stage
again in 2012. So, that's what we've been working towards day after day,"
Nigeria coach Edwin Okon.
Source: Vanguard
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