Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets experienced a 0-1 defeat against Mexico in a preparatory friendly held in Bogota on Monday.
The match, played at Club Banco de la República in Colombia’s capital, was the last of their pre-World Cup warm-up games.
Mexico secured their victory with a volley from Alejandra Lomelí in the 15th minute.
Previously, the Falconets had defeated Australia 2-1 in a friendly on Friday, as part of their preparation for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Christopher Danjuma noted the significance of these friendly matches for refining tactics and gauging the team’s readiness for the tournament.
“Winning five out of six qualifying matches and a victory over Australia, despite the loss to Mexico, demonstrates our preparedness. We will focus on addressing any weaknesses before the World Cup,” Danjuma said.
Danjuma also emphasized the challenges ahead, with Nigeria set to face the Korea Republic and three-time champions Germany in their group.
“Our physical and mental readiness is strong, and psychologically, the team is in a good place.
“The team has been in Colombia for two weeks to ensure quality preparation, and we are confident for the tournament,” he added.
Nigeria is grouped with Germany, Venezuela, and the Korea Republic in Group D of the World Cup tourney, scheduled to hold from August 31 to September 22, 2024.
The Falconets will begin their campaign against Korea Republic on September 2, followed by matches against Germany on September 4 and Venezuela on September 7.
Spain are the defending champions after winning the 2022 tournament in Costa Rica.
