The Nigeria U20 women’s team, the Falconets, are hoping to finally conquer the world at the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals, which is currently taking place in Costa Rica.
The Falconets have finished second, twice, (in 2010 and 2014) and advanced to the semi-finals in 2012.
To reach Costa Rica, the Falconets overcame challenges from the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Senegal, maintaining their record of qualifying for every edition since the competition began as an U19 Championship in Canada 20 years ago.
Aside from being present in all previous editions, Nigeria has seen many players rise to prominence through this path.
Asisat Oshoala, five-time Africa Player of the Year and now a Ballon D’Or nominee, is one of many Nigerian players who have competed in this cadet tournament for women.
PREMIUM TIMES profiles this ambitious 2022 Falconets team as the Costa Rica 2022 tournament progresses.
Three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and six strikers make up the Falconets team in Costa Rica.
Goalkeepers
Monle Oyono
D.O.B: November 30, 2002 (aged 19)
Club: Bayelsa United
She is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and has performed admirably with clean sheets in the first two games against France and South Korea. Oyono’s agility between the sticks will be critical if the Falconets are to go all the way in Costa Rica.
Nelly Ekeh
D.O.B: 6 January 2003 (aged 19)
Club: Sunshine Queens
The former Ibom Angels goalkeeper is a good backup for the first choice, having served admirably as captain of the U-17 Flamingos. Although the U-17 Women’s World Cup did not take place as planned, Ekeh now has a chance to shine with the U-20 team in Costa Rica.
Peace Obidinma
D.O.B: 11 November 2002 (aged 19)
Club: Edo Queens
Obidinma, a former Best Goalkeeper Award winner in the Nigerian Women Football League, is an excellent addition to the Falconets squad.
The Imo State-born shot-stopper will be remembered for her heroics at her former club, Adamawa Queens, where she helped the club qualify for the Super Four for the first time in its history.
Defenders
Chidinma Ogbuchi
D.O.B: 28 December 2003 (aged 18)
Club: Robo Queens
The tough-tackling defender was promoted from the U-17 Flamingos to the Falconets. While she played in the qualifying series, Ogbuchi has yet to play in Costa Rica, having been benched in the first two games against France and Korea Republic.
Oluwatosin Demehin (captain)
D.O.B: 13 March 2002 (aged 20)
Club: Rivers Angels
<br />
Club: Edo Queens<br />
She is one of the Falconets’ dependable back four, keeping things as tight as possible. Oshobukola has played every minute of her first two games in Costa Rica, and she is already one of the team’s top performers.<br />
Among other things, Oshobukola has demonstrated excellent technique, good passing range, and calmness under pressure.</p>
<p>Oluchi Ohaegbulem<br />
18 October 2006 (aged 15)<br />
Club: Confluence Queens<br />
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