Falconets coach reveals key to Nigeria’s victory over England

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has revealed the major factor that helped Nigeria secure a stunning 3-0 victory over England at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria produced an impressive performance to thrash England in the Round of 16 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Falconets have now recovered from their difficult start to the tournament and reached the last eight, where they will be hoping to continue their remarkable run as they target a first-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria have twice finished as runners-up at the tournament, in 2010 and 2014, but are yet to lift the trophy.

Nigeria s Falconets players line up. Copyright: xAdekunlexAjayixImago

The Falconets took the lead as early as the eighth minute after Tosin Rafiu intercepted a pass and drove forward before firing past England goalkeeper Katie Cox.

Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma then produced several important saves to keep her side in front, including a penalty stop that denied England a chance to get back into the game.

Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu both scored in the second half as Nigeria completed an emphatic 3-0 victory and secured their place in the quarter-finals.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Why England lost to Nigeria’s Falconets

Nigeria had endured a difficult start to the tournament, losing their opening game against Spain before drawing with China. However, they bounced back in spectacular fashion with a record 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to qualify for the knockout stage.

Despite that result, the Falconets went into their Round of 16 clash with England as underdogs.

Aduku believes England underestimated the quality of his team, allowing Nigeria to take advantage of their opportunities and secure a convincing victory.

Moses Aduku, head coach of Nigeria Falconets. Copyright: xIPAxSport/ABACAxImago

“The English team is a very good side, and I think they underrated us; they never believed that we could play up to this level”, the Falconets coach said post-match.

“But I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting.”

Nigeria will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals after the South American side narrowly defeated hosts Poland in their own Round of 16 tie.

Aduku has warned his players to remain focused as they continue their pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

“(After the game) I told the players, this game is gone. Let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play, so let’s focus on the next one.”

Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem in action for the Super Falconets. Copyright: xMichalxDubiel/Imago

Nigeria will now regroup before their quarter-final clash against Colombia on Sunday at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Lodz, hoping to continue their remarkable run at the tournament.