The Nigeria Super Falconets will look to redeem their image and also secure the points needed to progress to the next phase of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup against Venezuela in their third Group D match at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia, on Saturday (today).
Christopher Danjuma’s charges, who edged South Korea 1-0 in their opening match, are smarting from a 3-1 defeat to Germany in their second game on Wednesday and now head into today’s clash with their South American opponents starting at 21:00, knowing a win or a draw will secure a passage to the round of 16.
For Nigeria, it’s a much simpler equation for Nigeria, who have participated in every edition of the competition since its inaugural edition in 2002, as either a draw will see them progress as one of the top two teams in the group alongside Germany, who already booked their spot with Wednesday’s victory against Nigeria.
For Venezuela, only a win will keep their qualification hopes alive, although they’ll still need to wait on results from elsewhere.
The South Americans are yet to win a U-20 Women’s World Cup match, having lost four and drawn one of their five games at the tournament, while Nigeria have lost only one of their previous five matches against South American teams, winning three and drawing one of those contests.
The group’s other game will see Germany face South Korea starting at 15:00 at Estadio de Techo in Bogota.
Having squandered several chances in a scoreless draw with Venezuela last time out, Korea Republic’s direct qualification fate is no longer in their own hands. To finish in the top two, they’ll need Venezuela to roll Nigeria and also complete the difficult assignment of downing Germany.
Katrin Peter’s side can approach things in a more measured manner, having already secured progression to the second stage, and the Asian nation will be hoping that they can punish any complacency that may arise from the three-time champions.
Germany have won the previous two U-20 Women’s World Cup matches between the teams. They triumphed 5-1 in the 2010 semi-final and 2-0 in the 2016 group stage.
Korea Republic are aiming to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014.