FALCONETS MUST WAKE UP -OGBONNA

The defender is convinced her side will not tumble out of the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup at the first hurdle despite their flawed start

Nigeria U20 Women’s Glory Ogbonna has insisted that her side have learnt their lesson after crumbling 6-0 to Japan on Sunday.

The Falconets suffered their worst defeat in the history of the competition to the Asians, and Ogbonna has stressed the defeat to Japan will only spur them on.

“Collectively as a team we have accepted the fact that we started badly against Japan, but it doesn’t mean that we have given up because all hope is not lost,” Ogbonna said.

“I believe that the reason for Sunday’s defeat was a clarion call for us as a team to wake up to the harsh realities on ground.

“If we had won or drawn that game, apparently, the whole team would feel that we have arrived.

“Canada is a must-win for us and it is not negotiable. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter and humiliating way.

“I want to promise all Nigerians that we must redeem our image and march on in this tournament.”

Nigeria will face Canada in their second Group B match on Wednesday, at the Bava Park Stadium in Port Moresby.