Falconets Secure FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Spot with Opeyemi Ajakaye’s Winning Goal Against Burundi”

The Nigeria U-20 female national football team, Falconets, clinched a spot in this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals following a hard-fought encounter against Burundi. Opeyemi Ajakaye’s crucial goal in the second leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium secured a 2-0 aggregate victory for the Coach Christopher Danjuma-led team in the final round of the African qualifying race. The Falconets had previously won the first leg 1-0 in Dar es Salaam six days earlier.

Breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute, Ajakaye, assisted by Akekoromowei, propelled the Falconets to victory. Although Ajakaye scored again in the 90th minute, the goal did not stand. The result ensures the Falconets’ qualification for the final tournament in Colombia later this year.

Nigeria has maintained a consistent presence at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, participating since its inception as an U-19 tournament in Canada 22 years ago. The team finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2014 and reached the semi-finals in Japan in 2012.