By Eniola Olatunji reporting for Patmos Media Line
NIGERIA’s FALCONETS may find it difficult to overcome their Chinese counterparts as they file out in the group F second round matches in Poland at 5pm tomorrow Thursday.
On current form, China outclasses Nigeria clearly with 60-21% ball possessions having 44-5 shots at goal of which 15-3 are on target playing deep with 32-0 shots within the box and trying 12-0 from outside the box meaning that if they exert same pressure on the Falconets the Nigerians will collapse like a pack of cards and concede much goals.
This is further proved with 21-1 corner kicks which if there’s a rebound may cause great havoc for Nigeria.
China had spanked New Caledonia 5-0 in the first group game when Spain piped Nigeria 2-0 that makes Nigeria to be in the 3rd place with no point when China tops the group, Spain is 2nd and New Caledonia is 4th with no point and -5 goals deficit.
China and Nigeria met twice and China won a game drawing the second and scoring 4 of the 5 goals scored. On 20th August 2016 in group B China slammed Nigeria 3-0 at the world cup and on 13th August 2018 they played 1-1 in group D.
Despite their 0-2 reverse against Spain in their first match at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Monday, Nigeria’s Ambassador to that country, Her Excellecy,Ambassador Chioma Ohakim Esq, did not abandon the team or feel dejected like everyone else.
She watched the match played at the Stadion Sosnowiec, and alongside mission staff, did her best to support and encourage the team.
After the game, Ambassador Ohakim took time to interact with the players and technical crew, encouraging the girls not to be discouraged by their opening defeat to Spain. She urged the team to put the result behind them and remain focused on their next challenge against China, reminding them that they played good football and have every reason to remain confident.
In a thoughtful gesture, the top diplomat also brought Nigerian food for the players, helping to lift the mood and give the team a taste of home while away in Poland. Her presence and words of encouragement provided a timely morale boost as the Falconets turn their attention to their crucial clash with China.
Coach Moses Aduku said on Wednesday night: “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.”
#CAF #NFF
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