Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has revealed that England’s underestimation of Nigeria played a major role in the team’s stunning 3-0 victory in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Trybal News reports.
Nigeria went into the knockout clash as underdogs after a difficult group-stage campaign, but produced a dominant display to eliminate England and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
According to Aduku, the English side did not expect the level of performance Nigeria eventually produced.
The English team is a very good side, and I think they underrated us; they never believed that we could play up to this level,” Aduku said after the match.
The Falconets capitalised early, taking the lead in the eighth minute through Tosin Rafiu after she intercepted an England pass before driving forward and finishing confidently.
England had opportunities to respond, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma kept her side ahead with a series of crucial saves, including a penalty stop.
Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu then struck in the second half to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
For Aduku, the result was also a reflection of the confidence he had in his players following their difficult start to the tournament.
I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting,” he added.
Nigeria had opened the competition with a defeat to Spain and a draw against China before dramatically turning their campaign around with a record 10-1 victory over New Caledonia.
The Falconets will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, with Aduku already demanding that his players put the England victory behind them.
I told the players, this game is gone. Let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play, so let’s focus on the next one.”
With Nigeria now among the final eight, Aduku and his players will look to build on their remarkable turnaround as they continue their pursuit of a first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
