The head coach of the Nigeria U-20 women’s team, Christopher Danjuma, believes Colombia 2024 provides his team the brightest chance to lift the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014.
Speaking confidently about the team’s mission at this year’s edition, running from 31 August to 22 September in Colombia, Danjuma said he and his charges have just one objective in mind, which is to lift the trophy.
“I think we’re closing in on our goal. As Africans, we have a spiritual perspective. We are confident that now is the right time to emulate the opportunities and events of 2010 and 2014. I am certain Africa will stand at the top of the world for the first time”, he told FIFA.
“I’m certain we’re on the right track. 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”, added Danjuma, who is approaching his 61st birthday and has invested everything since taking over in 2017.
Danjuma believes the competition has been a learning curve for him, having learnt a great deal from their 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2022 edition in Costa Rica.
He said, “Of course, we categorically refuse to go through a similar situation again. We’ve worked a great deal on our efficiency in front of goal, as that’s what was missing two years ago. Our opponents were no stronger than us, but they knew how to handle decisive moments better, and that made all the difference”.
Nigeria will begin their campaign in Group D alongside Germany, Venezuela, and South Korea, which Danjuma believes gives his team an added advantage because all three nations are keen to develop women’s football.
“All three nations are keen to develop women’s football, so being in the same group is a privilege and promises to make for some closely fought encounters. As ambassadors for women’s football in our country, we are proud to be going to Colombia to showcase our talent and our players’ skills”.
His confidence is boosted by the team’s optimal preparation, which now focuses mainly on the psychological aspect and how to approach the competition in particular.
“Preparations are going extremely well. We have been focussing on the psychological aspect and how to approach the competition in particular. We will come up against some tough teams, so we need to be on top of our game mentally from the word go. The players are picking up tactics more quickly, and the team spirit is high”.
Danjuma, who has been in charge of the Falconets since 2017, says his affinity with the team is engendered by his passion for supporting female players to unlock and reach their full potential.
He said, “My philosophy or outlook on life explains my relationship with this team. I think that supporting female players to unlock and reach their full potential is important. This means that when young players learn the ropes before joining the first team, they already have a very good understanding of what it’s all about and how to make the most of this opportunity to enjoy a lasting career”.
Nigeria, who have participated in all eleven editions of the competition, will kick off their campaign against South Korea on 1 September at Estadio El Techo, Bogotá, play Germany for their second group game on 4 September at the same venue, and travel to Cali to round off preliminary hostilities against Venezuela on 7 September at Estadio Pascual Guerrero.
