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France 2018: Falconets face Germany, China, Haiti

falconets

Falconets

Festus Abu

The Super  Falconets have been drawn  against  Germany, China and Haiti in Group D of the  France 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in August.

At the draw in Rennes on Thursday, Ghana were drawn into Group A against  France, New Zealand and Holland.

Group B  has Korea DPR, England, Mexico and Brazil, while USA, Japan, Paraguay and Spain will battle it out in Group C.

The  Falconets will have revenge on their minds when they face  three-time   (2004, 2010, 2014) champions Germany at Stade de Marville in Saint-Malo on August 6.

Germany  won their second title when they hosted the tournament in 2010  at the expense of Nigeria.

Alexandra Popp’s eight minute strike and Osinachi  Ohale’s stoppage time own-goal led  Germany  to the   title at Bielefelder Alm in  Bielefeld on August 1, 2010.

The Europeans returned to beat  the Falconets 1-0 after extra time  to lift the trophy  at the 2014 finals hosted by Canada. Super Falcons superstar Asisat Oshoala won the tournament’s  Golden Boot with seven goals.

 Nigeria’s last group opponent China were runners-up at the Thailand 2004 and Russia 2006 World Cups.

Meanwhile, the Falconets coach Christopher Danjuma has said the draw is fair to his team, according to the  News Agency of Nigeria.

“We will prepare our team to be mentally ready,’’ he said.

 “The group is fair. For any team to qualify to this stage means that they are a strong side.

“But what we need at this level of the World Cup is for the players to be mentally tough and not allow fear no matter who the opponents are.

“We will work as hard as possible because the Nigeria Football Federation  is doing all it can to ensure that we have quality preparations.’’

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