Three -time world champions Germany are out and this is good news. Twice Falconets qualified for the grand finale, two times they lost to the Germans.
On both occasions when Nigeria played in the final, they emerged from Group C. At Costa Rica 2022, Falconets were in Group C and for the first time achieved a 100 percent record of three wins, no draw, no loss. They will meet The Netherlands in the quarter finals.
In 2010, hosts Germany won the trophy after beating Nigeria 2-0. The second goal was an own goal by rock solid defender, Osinachi Ohale who beat keeper Alaba Jonathan in the last minutes.
At Canada 2014, the Falconets were good enough for the trophy. Again, Germany relied on over time goal to win 1-0.
Asisat Oshoala who made her debut two years earlier in Japan where Nigeria lost the third place game to the hosts, was the story of Canada 2014. She won the Golden Ball as the Most Valuable Player and the Golden Boot as well, with seven goals.
In the semi finals, Oshoala was outstanding, netting four goals against two- time champions, North Korea in a 6-2 classy game. Courtney Dike got the opener in the second minute.
Dike had arrived from Oklahoma State Cowgirls and scored in the first minute against South Korea in one of the group matches.
Oshoala and Halimat Ayinde would have been surprised to see an Ibarra playing and scoring for Mexico against Nigeria in the first group match. Ibara is better known to them as the choice area of Abeokuta. It ended 1-1.
Winning three games out of three in the group stage reminds Nigerians of Super Eagles sour record at the Cameroon 2021 African Nations Cup. Compatriots definitely are not so comfortable.
In 2010, the Falconets finished second in group C, behind Mexico with superior goals. Both sides bagged five points from three outings, with one win and two draws each.
In 2014, the Nigerians found themselves again in group C. They were number one with seven points with two matches won and one drawn. Like in 2010, they advanced to the grand finale but lost to Germany.
At Costa Rica 2022, Falconets playing in group C hit nine points from all three games, they neither drew nor lost. Now we can see the progression from five points in 2010, to seven points in 2014 and nine in 2022.
In 2010, Falconets group C opponents included Mexico and England. In 2014, Mexico and England were also there with the Nigerian girls in group C. In 2020, Mexico and England were not in group C.
I also found out that when the Falconets won in 2010, they had players who bore Sunday as surname. Coach Ndem Egan chose Esther Sunday and Uchechi Sunday.
One of the players coach Peter Dedevbo took to Canada 2014 was Uchechi Sunday. She did so well, scoring three goals, four less than Oshoala and two better than the duo of Loveth Ayila, Osarenoma Igbinovia and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The Costa Rica 2022 squad does not have any Sunday. Coach Christopher Danjuma, I understand, is a pastor. With all the Sundays, Falconets could not win the trophy, in 2010 and 2014 respectively.
In 2010, Falconets overcame United States in the quarter finals. In 2014, they defeated North Korea in the semis. Both losers rank among world champions. In 2022, the only world champions left are the Japanese.
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Now that there would be no Germany, the import is that should Nigeria qualify for the grand finale, it will be their first time of playing without confronting two former champions in the process.
All these permutations are like Bet9ja, any way. The 2022 Falconets must first get beyond the Netherlands in the quarter finals. On paper, the Dutch are paperweights. This is their second participation.
That was the mistake the Eagles made against Tunisia at the African Nations Cup. The Carthage Eagles were not given any chance yet they diminished Nigeria and threw the 100 percent group record across the desert.
Danjuma and his lasses should not behave like the Super Eagles, for soccer is full of surprises.
In 2010, the Falconets scored only six goals and qualified for the grand finale. Their highest scorers were Desire Oparanozie and Ebere Orji with two goals respectively. Amarachi Okonkwo and Angela Ukonu got one each.
In 2014, Oshoala scored seven goals, one more than the entire Falconets team in 2010. Her team mates got eight more goals to make it 15 goals in all. Unfortunately, on both occasions, Nigeria could not lift the trophy.
It is like the story of their male counterparts, the Flying Eagles who are also two-time grand finale losers.
Flying Eagles performed miracle in Dammam at Saudi ’89 when they rose from the dead, literally. From 4-0 disadvantage Nigeria not only drew level with the Soviet Union, they went ahead to win in the ensuing penalty kicks. Porugal stopped them at the end.
In 2005, Lionel Messi made all the difference with two goals as Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 in the grand finale of the Netherlands hosted Under 20 Championships.
Mikel Obi and Taiye Taiwo were also outstanding but not good enough for gold. That was how the Messi Menace emerged. The smallish Argentine has never lost to Nigeria in a competitive global soccer game.
Falconets have a golden opportunity to make History as Africa’s first female Under 20 world champions.
They have not played against former world champions but like the 2014 team, defeated South Korea. They do not have Oshoala. In Esther Onyenezide, there is hope. So far, she has scored three goals.
The 2022 Falconets defeated European champions and 2016 finalists, France. They also beat Canada, 2002 silver medallists and South Korea, bronze winners in 2010.
With the German jinx out of the way, these Nigerian girls may just flourish in Costa Rica where rain could delay or force referees to suspend games.
By the way, Flourish Sebastine is one of the girls. Her Igbo name, I guess, is Chioma. It means good Lord. She scored Nigeria’s first goal in Costa Rica. There is another Chioma. Her surname is Olise, which means God.
Danjuma is a prayer warrior. He needs the good Lord to write History. Yes, Falconets can make History and shout hallelujah in Alajuela.
