FALCONETS of Nigeria head coach Chris Danjuma has promised that his team will not underestimate Burundi in the second leg of their 2024 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifying tie in Abuja on Saturday.
Danjuma’s side won the first leg 1-0 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday but he wants an improved display at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in order to avoid an upset.
The coach, who also led the Falconets to the quarter-finals at the last edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, believes an early goal would settle his girls’ nerves on Saturday.
“The first leg encounter was tough, but we also should have taken our chances. We created several opportunities but let the Burundians off and we seriously must guard against such laxity on Saturday,” Danjuma told the Nigeria Football Federation media department.
“We must take our chances early and make the match enjoyable for our fans.
“Of course, I am already looking forward to another World Cup with the team, but we must put first things first. The challenge at the moment is to get Burundi out of the way on Saturday and earn the ticket.”
Forward Janet Akekoromowei netted the only goal of the first leg from the penalty spot in first-half added time after the Falconets had lost an earlier penalty kick through Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Tunisian official Asma Chouchane as referee for Saturday’s clash, with her compatriots Houda Afine, Nesrine Ouertatani and Emna Ajbouni involved as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.
Christine Ziga from Ghana will be the commissioner while Fadouma Dia from Senegal will serve as referee assessor.
This year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Colombia from 31 August to September 22.
