Nigeria v Spain: Renewal of old acquaintances in quarterfinal clash

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It took a 95th own goal for the Falconets of Nigeria to progress past China, finishing second behind Germany in Group D while their quarterfinal opponents, Spain topped Group C. The Nigerians managed only two goals in their three group matches while Spain scored seven and conceded three.

The Falconets beat Spain in Group B in 2016 in Papua New Guinea but failed to progress while Spain made the quarterfinals on a better goals difference.

Five members of that Falconets’ team that triumphed 2-1 are present in Christopher Musa’s class of 2018. The five are Oluwakemi Famuditi, Glory Ogbonna, Joy Bokiri, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Mary Ologbosere.

Spain has four players returning from that 2016 defeat but have the highest goal scorer at France 2018, Patricia Guijarro, with four goals in their rank.

Falconets midfielder Peace Efih told FIFA’s official website that team spirit is one of the Nigerian team’s strongest points. “The quarter-finals won’t be easy, but we will fight to the finish,” Efih said.

“We believe in putting out our best every time. With our togetherness, we believe we will get somewhere.”

Qin Liang, from China, will handle proceedings, which kicks off at the Stade Guy-Piriou in Concarneau at 3 p.m., Nigeria time.