Nigerian Girls are dreaming of upsetting top-notchers USA in today’s encounter. The African s have never met the Obama Girls in youth footballs.
Reigning champions USA began the tournament slowly with a draw against Ghana, but kick-started their campaign with a 5-0 victory over Switzerland and a 1-0 win against Korea Republic. Six goals in two matches tell their own story, and further underline the burgeoning talent in American women’s football at present.
Nigeria also began the competition with a draw but celebrated a convincing victory over Japan in their second group match. The Africans went on to book their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-1 draw against Mexico.
Although, they have met on three occasions at FIFA Women’s World Cups (1999, 2003 and 2007), as well as once at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in 2000, with the Americans coming out on top in each of those occassions.
The Falconets have never won a quarter-final match at a women’s tournament previously. The USA, on the other hand, have reached at least the semi-finals at every U-20 women’s competition they have participated in, making the Stars and Stripes strong favourites to continue that trend.
Nigerian coach, Egan Adat says he is gunning for victory: “We want to win the match, that’s our honest target and nothing will stand on our way. I am playing for the girls to have a good day.”