Falconets expect big fight by Mexico
Oparanozie (right) will be gunning for goals on Thursday
Mabo tips Falconets for glory
Nigeria
coach Edwin Okon has said he expects a
tough fight from Mexico in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup
on Thursday.
The match, which will be played at the Tokyo National Stadium, will kick off by 8am in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday evening at the pre-match conference shortly after the team's official training, Okon described their opponents as one full of surprises.
"This is a team that came from a 4-0 goal deficit against Japan in their opening match to qualify for the quarter final. It shows that they are a team with great potential and determination," he remarked.
"But I have told my girls not to be deterred but they should be resolute. All the eight teams left in the competition are targeting the trophy, so it is going to be a tough fight.”
In Wednesday’s training, the girls practiced penalties in case the match goes that way. This would be the second meeting between both sides. In 2010 in Germany, both teams played a 1-1 draw at the group stage of the competition.
Both players and coaches after dinner took time to study their opponents’ matches.
Unlike Nigeria's Falconets, who have reached the quarterfinal five times out of six World Cups, this will be Las Aztecas second appearance.
Nigeria however have an edge having gone beyond the quarters in 2010, while Mexico were knocked out by Korea Republic.
Meanwhile, Singaporean referee Apbai Abirami will be at the centre for this match and will be assisted by Cui Yongmei of China, while Lee Seulgi of Korea and Qin Liang of China are the second Assistant Referee and fourth official, respectively.
The match, which will be played at the Tokyo National Stadium, will kick off by 8am in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday evening at the pre-match conference shortly after the team's official training, Okon described their opponents as one full of surprises.
"This is a team that came from a 4-0 goal deficit against Japan in their opening match to qualify for the quarter final. It shows that they are a team with great potential and determination," he remarked.
"But I have told my girls not to be deterred but they should be resolute. All the eight teams left in the competition are targeting the trophy, so it is going to be a tough fight.”
In Wednesday’s training, the girls practiced penalties in case the match goes that way. This would be the second meeting between both sides. In 2010 in Germany, both teams played a 1-1 draw at the group stage of the competition.
Both players and coaches after dinner took time to study their opponents’ matches.
Unlike Nigeria's Falconets, who have reached the quarterfinal five times out of six World Cups, this will be Las Aztecas second appearance.
Nigeria however have an edge having gone beyond the quarters in 2010, while Mexico were knocked out by Korea Republic.
Meanwhile, Singaporean referee Apbai Abirami will be at the centre for this match and will be assisted by Cui Yongmei of China, while Lee Seulgi of Korea and Qin Liang of China are the second Assistant Referee and fourth official, respectively.
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