U20 WWC: Nigeria and other African representatives get tricky draws
Nigeria women’s under-20 national team has discovered their opponents for this year’s FIFA U20 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Following the draw held in Bogota on Wednesday, the Falconets were placed in Group D together with European giants Germany, Asian powerhouse South Korea, and Venezuela.
This is the second consecutive tournament where Nigeria and South Korea would be drawn in the same group.
At Costa Rica 2022, Esther Onyenezide’s late strike handed Nigeria a slim 1-0 victory. The Falconets had earlier beaten France and later forced a 3-1 defeat down the throat of Canada to finish top of Group C with maximum points.
Nigeria, however, stumbled to a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
The Falconets remain the top dog on the African continent, though.
Nigeria walked over Mauritius U20 and claimed victories over Tanzania and Burundi to qualify for Colombia 2024.
Having competed at each of the 11 editions of the World Cup and in Colombia, the Falconets will look to go one step better than their best outing of a runners-up finish in 2010 and 2014.
Their World Cup journey begins with a clash against the Korean Republic. They will then face Germany and Venezuela to complete their group-stage matches. African quartet handed tricky U-20 Women's World Cup groups
Ghana, making their seventh appearance at the U-20 World Cup, has been drawn in Group E alongside Japan, New Zealand, and Austria.
The Black Princesses will be keen to build on their impressive quarter-final run in the 2022 edition, where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth.
Cameroon, making their second appearance at the U-20 World Cup, find themselves in Group A alongside hosts Colombia, Australia, and Mexico.
The Young Indomitable Lionesses will be aiming to make their mark on the global stage and continue their impressive development in youth football.
Morocco will have the opportunity to announce their appearance on the grandest stage of youth football, as they take on reigning champions Spain, the USA, and Paraguay in the highly competitive Group C.
The Atlas Lionesses' participation in the tournament is a testament to the growth of women's football in the North African nation having finished at the quarters in their maiden appearance two years ago.
Beyond the African focus, the draw has set up several mouthwatering clashes, with reigning champions Spain facing a stern test against the USA and Paraguay in Group C.
Meanwhile, Group B features a tantalizing clash between France and Canada, as well as the participation of Brazil and Fiji.
As the global youth tournament expands to 24 teams for the first time, Africa's finest young talents will have their mettle tested against formidable opposition in the pursuit of glory.
The expanded 24-team tournament will take place from August 31st to September 22nd, 2024, in Colombia.
Full list of the U20 World Cup Groups
Group A: Colombia, Australia, Cameroon, Mexico
Group B: France, Canada, Brazil, Fiji
Group C: Spain, USA, Paraguay, Morocco
Group D: Germany, Venezuela, Nigeria, Korea Republic
Group E: Japan, New Zealand, Ghana, Austria
Group F: Korea DPR, Argentina, Costa Rica, Netherlands