Oshoala, Dike, Orji make FIFA stat reviews on U-20 Women’s World Cup in history

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of the 11th edition of FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) released major statistics from previous tournaments.

Apart from Nigeria joining Germany, Brazil, and the United States of America (USA) as the only quartet to feature at every edition, players like Asisat Oshoala, Courtney Dike, and Ebere Orji made the statistics for their feats.

Brazil’s Renata Costa made 18 appearances in the competition, more than anyone else, having played six games in each of the 2002, 2004 and 2006 editions.

She is followed by compatriot Erika and Nigeria’s Ebere Orji, each of whom featured in 15 matches for their respective nations.

The two fastest goals in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup history were, incredibly, scored by team-mates from Nigeria at the same edition.

Courtney Dike opened the scoring for Nigeria against Korea Republic after just 14 seconds in the group stage at Canada 2014, then Asisat Oshoala took 31 seconds to get on the scoresheet in the Falcons’ 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Finally, Oshoala and Swede Stina Blackstenius both registered four goals in a game, in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

The 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will kick off on August 31 as the Falconets attempt to win their first title after reaching the final in 2010 and 2014.