The Super Falconets are set to continue their campaign in the 2024 FIFA Women U-20 World Cup as they face Japan in a Round of 16 match on Friday. After advancing from the group stage with games against North Korea, Germany, and Venezuela, the team, coached by Danjuma, will now contend with Japan.
The Falconets’ group stage performance included two wins and a loss: a 1-0 victory over North Korea, a 3-1 defeat to Germany, and a 4-0 triumph over Venezuela in their final group match.
Japan, meanwhile, has been in formidable form, scoring 13 goals and conceding only once. They dominated New Zealand 7-0, defeated Ghana 4-1, and won 2-0 against Austria in their final group fixture.
Historically, the Super Falconets were finalists in 2014 but have not progressed beyond the Round of 16 since then, with exits in the group stage in 2016 and Round of 16 losses in 2018 and 2022.
Team News
No injuries have been reported for either team. Maya Hijjikati is expected to lead Japan’s attack, while Coach Danjuma may opt to bench Shukuray Bakare in favor of Faith Omilana. Key players for the Super Falconets are anticipated to include Sabastine Flourish, Opeyemi Ajakaye, Janet Akekoromowei, and the promising Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Match Details
The game will be held at Estadio Metropolitano de Tech in Bogota, which has a capacity of 10,000 seats, on September 13, 2024. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 AM, and the match will be broadcast on FIFA Plus TV.