WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Ghana and Nigeria set for thrilling WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup final showdown

Published

1 year ago

June 2, 2023

The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup of Nations as arch rivals Ghana and Nigeria emerged victorious in their respective semi-final encounters in Kumasi .

In a remarkable comeback, Ghana showcased their resilience to secure a spot in the final, defeating Burkina Faso 3-1 in a thrilling encounter.

The Black Princesses suffered an early setback when Burkina Faso capitalized on a defensive lapse to take a four-minute lead. However, Ghana quickly regrouped, with Stella Nyame equalizing in the 13th minute through a well-executed free kick.

Success Ameyaa then gave the Black Princesses the advantage in the 28th minute with a fantastic long-range strike from a corner. Both teams had chances to score before halftime, but Ghana held onto their slender lead.

The second half saw Ghana’s dominance rewarded as Maafia Nyame set up Faiza Seidu for the third goal in the 83rd minute, sealing their victory. Ghana’s young side, guided by Yussif Basigi, demonstrated composure and resilience throughout the match, securing their place in the final.

In the second semi-final, Nigeria asserted their dominance against a spirited Benin side, confirming their status as tournament favorites.

Nigeria took control of the game after an initial spell of Benin dominance. Amina Bello broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, followed by Esther Chinemerem extending the lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute.

Chinemerem continued her remarkable performance, adding a third goal in the 63rd minute, showcasing Nigeria’s superiority. Despite Benin’s resilience, Nigeria’s experience proved decisive as they secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

Nigeria’s powerful team, led by their star player Esther Chinemerem, demonstrated their class and sealed their place in the final.

The highly anticipated final will take place on Saturday, June 3rd, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Ghana and Nigeria will face off in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented teams.

Prior to the final, Burkina Faso and Benin will compete in the third-place playoff at 3 p.m. These matches mark a significant moment for women’s football in Zone B of WAFU, highlighting the progress and talent within the region.

-Cafonline

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Falconets crash out from U-20 Women’s World Cup

Published

4 days ago

September 13, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Japan survived a late scare against Nigeria to set up a re-match of the 2022 final with Spain in Sunday’s quarter-finals.

In rainy Bogota, Miyu Matsunaga’s free header just after the half hour was enough to send Japan to the break with a lead, as they have done at every match at Colombia 2024.

Maya Hijikata then doubled the advantage midway through the second term, tucking home a cross from substitute Chinari Sasai at the back post; that goal taking her joint-top of the adidas Golden Boot race with Brazil’s Vendito.

Olushola Shobowale did manage to pull one back for Nigeria in stoppage time but they couldn’t find a second as Japan hung on to close out the 2-1 win and set up that epic quarter-final clash with Spain. It is a re-match of the final match of the last edition in Costa Rica two years ago.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Colombia 2025: Falconets back in Bogota to trade tackles with Japan

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The team on return to Bogota on Wednesday.

Africa’s biggest hope for podium appearance at the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals, Nigeria, have returned to the Colombia capital, Bogota, ahead of Friday morning’s Round of 16 clash with Japan.

Japan, one of the strongest forces in women’s football globally, topped Group E that also included Austria, New Zealand and one of Africa’s flag-bearers Ghana. Ghana crashed out of the tournament after losing to Japan and Austria, and a narrow win over New Zealand.

The Falconets reached the Round of 16 after pipping Korea Republic 1-0 and losing 1-3 to Germany, and then earning a fabulous 4-0 win over Venezuela in Cali.

“The girls have worked very hard to get to this stage, and we are proud of their efforts. We will be taking the knockout stages one match at a time. I must tell you that we are excited at the prospects of facing Japan and what that brings forth,” Coach Chris Musa Danjuma said on his team’s return to the capital on Wednesday night.

The clash between Nigeria and Japan will hold at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota – where the Falconets played their first two matches of the group phase against Korea Republic and Germany – starting from 2am Nigeria time (8pm, Thursday in Colombia) on Friday, 13^th September.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

What a goal-laden day for Nigeria; Falconets also win with wide margin!

Published

1 week ago

September 7, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Nigeria Super Falconets gave Nigerians additional joy after their 4-0 defeat of Venezuela in Cali, Colombia in their last group match. Their victory followed up with an earlier 3-0 win by the Super Eagles in their opening Group D match with Benin Republic in Uyo.

The Falconets’ win means they have qualified for the Round of 16 where they are most likely going to face Japan when the group games are completed on Sunday.

Both Nigeria and Germany tied on six points, but Germany have one goal better than Nigeria on goal difference.

The Super Falcons made early hays when Amina Bello put Nigeria ahead after 16 minutes. Chiamaka Okwuchukwu doubled the lead in the 28^th minute before Flourish Sebastine put in the third five minutes into the added time of the first half. Joy Igbokwe put in the back breaker four minutes into the added time of the second hald.