As the Falconets prepare for the U20 World Cup, head coach Christopher Danjuma is brimming with confidence, predicting that the tournament will birth another football star of Asisat Oshoala’s caliber.

Oshoala’s rise began at the 2014 U-20 World Cup, where she took the world by surprise.

She had a remarkable outing and emerged as the tournament’s top scorer and best player.

Oshoala’s brilliance didn’t stop there; she was also instrumental in the Super Falcons’ victory at the 2014 African Women’s Championship, finishing as the second-highest scorer and best player of the competition.

Danjuma is drawing inspiration from Oshoala’s journey, hoping to mold another star who could follow in her footsteps possibly one who could shine on the global stage.

Falconets head coach Chris Danjuma gives instructions to defender, Olamide Oyinlola. Photo | X (OlamideOyin17)

Asisat went on to join the ranks of Barcelona Femení, where she has thrived, winning three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and becoming the first player to claim six CAF Women’s Player of the Year Awards.

A Formidable Squad with a Winning Mindset

Speaking to FIFA media, Danjuma stated, “Every tournament, we showcase top players such as Asisat Oshoala, who was our star performer at the 2014 U-20 World Cup. I am confident that at least one other ‘Agba Baller’ (football legend), as our fans call her, will emerge in Colombia.”

For this campaign, Danjuma is leading a formidable squad that includes four professional players: Rofiat Imuran, Flourish Sabastine, Opeyemi Ajakaye, and Aminat Bello.

“These are definitely key players, leading figures in the team. Their presence alone boosts the squad’s morale. However, the team is largely composed of players from the national league, and we also want to highlight their quality and contribution. The main point is that our players have made great strides and are now ready to excel against tough opponents,” he added.

Danjuma’s squad has been drawn into a challenging group, with Germany, Venezuela, and Korean Republic as their opponents, but the coach remains certain of his team’s potential.

The Falconets finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2014 but have yet to win the ultimate prize. Addressing this, Danjuma said, 

“We are closing in on our goal. As Africans, we view this with a spiritual perspective. We are confident that now is the right time to build on the achievements of 2010 and 2014. I am certain that Africa will stand atop the world for the first time.”

The Super Falconets will kick off their campaign against the Korea Republic on September 2. They will then face Germany two days later before wrapping up the group stage against Venezuela later in September.

With a focus on overcoming past disappointments and building a stronger squad, Danjuma is hopeful that this year will be a turning point for Nigerian women’s football.