President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has urged Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, to maintain their focus, work diligently, and follow their coaches’ instructions to achieve success at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Nigeria, twice runners-up in the competition, has consistently been a strong contender for FIFA’s second most prestigious women’s football trophy. Gusau believes that with hard work, discipline, and dedication, the Falconets have a real chance to claim the top spot this time.

“I am aware of our country’s pedigree in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Your predecessors have won the silver medal on two occasions and reached the semifinals once. Now is the time for the ultimate,” Gusau said.

“I believe that with discipline, hard work, dedication, focus, and prayers for mother luck in your matches, you can emerge triumphant. These are the qualities necessary for success. The NFF will continue to provide the support and encouragement you need to excel.”

The 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia will be the first to feature 24 teams and will take place from August 31st to September 22nd, with Africa represented by four nations: Nigeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ghana.

Matches will be held in four venues across three cities: Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Bogotá will host games at Estadio El Campín and Estadio El Techo, while Medellín’s Estadio Atanasio Girardot and Cali’s Estadio Pascual Guerrero will also serve as venues.

Nigeria’s Falconets, 2022 quarter-finalists, have been drawn into Group D, where they will face three-time winners Germany, Venezuela, and the Korea Republic in this year’s tournament.