Nigeria’s Super Falconets have been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in France after a 2-1 loss to Spain’s La Rojita.
The underwhelming Falconets who qualified thanks to a last gasp own goal from China didn’t do themselves justice coming up against a Spanish side who were making only their third overall appearance and second quarter-final appearance at the tournament compared to Nigeria who have been present in all nine editions of the U20 Women’s World Cup.
Going by tournament form, the Spaniards were the favourites and the girls certainly didn’t disappoint bursting into life as early as the 13th minute thanks to a good finish by the captain, Aitana Bonmati which left Chiamaka Nnadozie rooted in goal.
Not long after that, the Spaniards almost went two goals up but this time it was the crossbar saving the blushes of Danjuma and his wards as the girls from Spain kept bombarding the Nigeria defence without showing signs of slowing down.
On the side of the Nigerians, they could barely put together seven passes without losing possession talk more of mustering a goalscoring opportunity. It was only a matter of time before the second goal which sealed the fate of the Falconets went it and it was none other than golden boot candidate, Patricia Guijarro.
The Falconets however restored some pride in the second half with a little bit of improved play which soon earned them a goal, but it was Spain who looked more threatening whenever they attacked despite the Nigerian goal.
Chiamaka Nnadozie as always, was forced into a good save to deny the Spanish ladies another goal but in the end, it wouldn’t be enough to see Nigeria through as Spain successfully avenged their 2-1 loss to the Super Falconets two years ago.
