2024 FIFA U-20 WWC: Title-chasing Falconets emerge as second youngest team

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of their Round of 16 clash with Japan at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Falconets have emerged as the second youngest team in the tournament.

With an average age of 18.8, they trail only Argentina, which has a slightly younger average age of 18.7.

Canada, Cameroon, and Colombia share fourth place with an average age of 18.9, while the Netherlands and Mexico are tied for sixth place with an average age of 19.0.

As the Falconets prepare to face Japan, they are looking to break their winless streak against the Asian side and advance to the quarter-finals. In their previous encounters at the U-20 level, Japan has emerged victorious in two of the last three meetings.

Nigeria’s best performances in the tournament have been runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2014, while Japan claimed the title in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, only to lose 3-1 to Spain.

Youngest teams at 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

1. Argentina (18.7)

2. Nigeria (18.8)

3. Canada (18.9)

4. Cameroon (18.9)

5. Colombia (18.9)

6. Netherlands (19.0)

7. Mexico (19.0)