Falconets fall 2-0 to Spain in World Cup opener
By Tosin Omojola
The Falconets of Nigeria put up a spirited fight against Spain on Tuesday but fell to a 2-0 defeat in their opening group game at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Sosnowiec, Poland.
Spain displayed superior cohesion, movement and organisation to emerge deserved winners, while Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
The Falconets relied largely on individual brilliance and long balls from midfield but rarely threatened the Spanish defence.
Spain opened the scoring after 13 minutes through Marisa Garcia, who capitalised on an opportunity to put her side ahead.
The European champions doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute when Alba Cerrato fired past Nigerian goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma from an acute angle.
Falconets coach Moses Aduku vowed that his team would bounce back from the defeat, admitting that his players “didn’t come to the party” against Spain.
The Falconets will look to revive their campaign when they face China on Thursday before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against New Caledonia.
