Friendly: Opeyemi Ajakaye late strike hands Falconets victory over Naija Ratels

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria U20 Women’s team continued their impressive build up to their U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a hardfought 1-0 victory over Naija Ratels in a local friendly game in Abuja on Saturday.

Opeyemi Ajakaye solitary strike in the 89th minute settled hostilities with Bankole Olowookere’s side at the FIFA Goal Project pitch.

The encounter was a competitive one which saw the Falconets trying to find their feet in the game against a compact Naija Ratels side, with the NWFL Premiership side forcing Christopher Danjuma’s team to a stalemate at half time.

The tasty contest had series of chances to the Falconets who failed to hit the back of the net, with Jenat Akekoromowei of Asisat Oshoala Academy and Adaobi Okoh of Remo Stars Ladies coming close on several ocassions.

After the break, the Falconets maintained their dominance but could not find a breakthrough until a cross from Chiamaka Okwuchukwu of Rivers Angels was fired home by Ajakaye in the 89th minute to deliver the late winner.

Still combing for his preferred team to play the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, coach Danjuma had a side who are ready to compete for honors at the highest level.

Nigeria will square up against Tanzania in the first leg on November 12, while the return leg is slated for November 19.

Both sides last met in 2017, Falconets thrashed Tazania 6-0 away from home, while the second leg played on September 16 2017 saw the team crushing Tazania 3-0.