Colombia 2024: Falconets target early goals to fly over Burundi to FIFA World Cup

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Nigeria’s U-20 girls have intensified their training sessions in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying run-out against their counterparts from Burundi at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

Head Coach Chris Danjuma, who also led the team to the quarter-finals at the last edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, is confident the Falconets will build on their 1-0 first-leg victory in Dar es Salaam last Sunday to send the Burundians packing.

“The first leg encounter was tough, but we should have taken our chances. We created several opportunities but let the Burundians off, and we seriously must guard against such laxity on Saturday. We must take our chances early and make the match enjoyable for our fans.

“Of course, I am already looking forward to another World Cup with the team, but we must put first things first. The challenge is to get Burundi out of the way on Saturday and earn the ticket.”

Forward Janet Akekoromowei netted the only goal of the first leg encounter from the penalty spot in added time of the first half after a foul that earned Burundian defender Ariella Umuarerwa the red card. The Falconets had lost an earlier penalty kick through Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Tunisian official Asma Chouchane as referee for Thursday’s clash, with her compatriots Houda Afine, Nesrine Ouertatani, and Emna Ajbouni involved as assistant 1, assistant 2, and fourth official, respectively.

Christine Ziga from Ghana will be the commissioner, while Fadouma Dia from Senegal will be the referee assessor.

This year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in Colombia from 31st August – to 22nd September.