FIFA U-20WWC: Aduku demands victory against China to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive

Nigeria U-20 women’s national team head coach Moses Aduku has declared that the Falconets are “condemned to win” against China as they look to revive their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Poland.

The Falconets suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening Group F fixture, leaving them under pressure ahead of their second group game against China.

Aduku admitted that the result was disappointing, but stressed that his players have quickly shifted their focus to the crucial encounter, knowing that anything short of victory would leave their qualification hopes in danger.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, the coach said the Falconets understand the importance of the contest and have been working to address the shortcomings from their opening defeat.

“Yea, we lost the first game, initially we were not happy but, this is football; you win some, lose some, draw some.

“For the second game, we are condemned to win to stay afloat in the competition. Therefore, we are giving our all. The girls are aware of what is at stake. Anything short of a win will not give us a good result,” Aduku said.

Aduku identifies areas for improvement

The Falconets struggled to create and convert clear-cut opportunities against Spain, while their communication also suffered at important moments.

Aduku acknowledged those shortcomings and revealed that the team has used its training sessions to correct the mistakes ahead of the China clash.

“Some of the lessons we picked from the last game were that we did not convert the few chances we had. We have learnt our lesson, we need to score goals.

“Secondly, our communication was poor, but the girls have improved so far. We had a few lapses, and we’ve corrected them in training, we are good to go.”

Against Spain, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves on the contest and were eventually punished by the 2022 champions, who scored through Marisa Garcia and Alba Cerrato.

The Falconets must now produce a significantly improved attacking display against China if they are to collect the three points Aduku insists they need.

Group F remains open, says Aduku

Despite the disappointing opening result, the Nigerian coach believes the group is still wide open and that the Falconets can put themselves back in contention with a positive result.

For Aduku, the picture will become clearer after the second round of matches.

“For me, I think our group is still open because it’s just the first game. It is after the second game that we’ll begin to think about which position we are going to take.

“From tomorrow’s game, we’ll begin to know if we are first, second or third.”

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With New Caledonia also in Group F, Nigeria still have another opportunity after the China game to fight for a place in the knockout rounds.

Aduku dismisses concerns over NFF changes

The Falconets coach also addressed questions surrounding changes within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting that the developments have not affected the team’s preparations or focus.

According to Aduku, there is no vacuum within the federation, and the team continues to receive the necessary support ahead of the decisive fixture.

“Of course, everything is in place. We are focused, and there is no vacuum. There are people running the federation, and they’ve been talking to us.

“Everything is all right. The players are good, and we are focused on tomorrow’s game,” he said.

Akekoromowei boost for Falconets

Meanwhile, the Falconets have received a major boost with star striker and new SL Benfica Ladies forward Janet Akekoromowei joining the team in Poland.

Her arrival provides Aduku with another proven goalscoring option at a time when Nigeria desperately need goals to keep their campaign alive.

Akekoromowei has now linked up with the squad ahead of the China encounter, giving the Falconets a fuller house and another attacking weapon as they search for their first victory of the tournament.

The Benfica forward could even be handed a starting role against China as Nigeria look to respond strongly to their opening-day setback.

For the Falconets, the equation is straightforward: win against China and keep the knockout-round dream alive. Anything less could leave their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign hanging by a thread.