Nigeria faces 'home girl' Chioma
by George Akpayen 03 September 2012, 20:08
Nigeria's Falconets will go head-to-head with their USA counterparts on Tuesday in one of the semifinals of the 2012 Fifa Women's Under20 World Cup.
Both teams met in 2010 at the quarterfinal stage with the Nigerians winning 4-2 through spot kicks against the two-time champions after playing 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Nigeria and the USA came through nervy games in the last eight against Mexico and North Korea respectively.
The Falconets had to rely on Desire Oparanozie's 109th minute goal to edge out a resilient Mexican side in their quarterfinal clash.
The Americans, on the other hand, were made to work hard and well into extra time before Nigerian American Chioma Ubogagu scored the winner to end the game 2-1.
The Falconets were particularly profligate in front of goal against Mexico and their coach, Edwin Okon is assuring an improved performance.
"My team’s getting better every day. If you want to be better tomorrow, you have to put in the hard work today – that’s our philosophy. After having lost in the final in 2010, we want to reach that stage again in 2012. So, that’s what we’ve been working towards day after day,” Okon said.
Reigning champions, Germany will face hosts, Japan in the other semifinals.
