Danjuma Sets Sights on Winning Colombia 2024 Trophy with Falconets
Christopher Danjuma, head coach of Nigeria’s under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, has declared that his primary goal at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia is to lift the trophy.
Despite consistently strong performances in past tournaments, Nigeria has yet to secure a win at the competition. Danjuma expressed confidence that this could be the year to break that streak.
“We’ve come close before, but now is the right time to turn potential into victory,” he told FIFA on Tuesday.
Nigeria has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Germany, Venezuela, and the Korea Republic. The tournament will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 22. Danjuma highlighted that his players are focused on making history and are determined to end Africa’s wait for a world title in this category.
“Every tournament, we produce top talents like Asisat Oshoala, and I’m confident another star will rise in Colombia,” Danjuma added.
Having led the Falconets to the quarter-finals in the 2022 edition, where they were eliminated by the Netherlands, Danjuma stressed that improved efficiency in front of goal has been a priority in their preparations this time around.
“Our opponents weren’t stronger than us, but they handled crucial moments better. We’ve been working hard to address that,” he explained.
With the psychological aspect of the game also in focus, the team’s spirit and readiness to tackle tough competition are at an all-time high. After finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014, the Falconets are determined to claim the title in 2024.
“As Africans, we have a spiritual perspective, and I believe we’re close to achieving our goal,” Danjuma concluded.
