FIFA U-17 FEMALE WORLD CUP: Nigeria Qualifies for Quarter Finals

Nigeria has qualified for the Quarter Finals of the on-going FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica.

In a pulsating and nerve wrecking match, Nigeria had to come from behind after conceding an early goal in a little after the 3rd minute after the Goalkeeper committed a blunder by coming off her lines.

Undetered, the Nigerian girls fought back and got a well deserved beauty of a goal from Joy Bokiri in the 26th minute.

The first half ended without a clear-cut winner although Nigeria had the better of dominance.

On resumption of the 2nd Half, the Falconets determined for business took the initiative by piling pressure of the Colombians, which later paid off in the 59th minute through Uchenna Kanu.

Nigeria thus joined Ghana, Mexico, Venezuela, Italy, & Japan in the quarter finals.

Elderson - Looking Forward To A Second World Cup

Elderson Echiejile has said a good showing at the World Cup in Brazil could further boost the careers of Nigeria stars. 

“A good performance at Brazil 2014 will help our various careers,” Elderson said on a special Airtel Football TV interview, which was published on his official website www.elderson3.com 

“It’s a great honour to represent Nigeria and it could not be any bigger to do that than at the World Cup. 

“We have a great team and great players and will hope to make millions of Nigerians happy with our performance at the World Cup.” 

Monaco defender Elderson featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even though Nigeria failed to go past the first round, he said it was a thrilling experience. 

“It was a great experience to play at the World Cup because I played against world-class players, some of the best players in the world,” he recalled. 

He also revealed that he struggled in his first few years in Europe but his self-belief took him through. 

“I lacked some of the basics when I first moved to Europe. But I was ready to learn, work harder every day and with my self-belief I was able to manage the situation,” he said. 

He has featured at Stade Rennes (France) and Sporting Braga (Portugal) before his recent switch to  Monaco.

Osaze - Keshi Yet To Decide On Him For The World Cup

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said he has yet to decide on whether to recall Osaze Odemwingie, who has been on fine form with Stoke City. 

Osaze has scored three goals in the English Premier League with Stoke since he moved in the winter from Cardiff City. 

But the striker has not played for Nigeria since 2012 after a public spat with Keshi, which will lead to the player eventually being axed from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. 

Keshi has insisted his team is not about a particular player, and would rather want to maintain team harmony. 

"I am happy that Osaze is scoring for his club and he is now back to regular action, but that is not enough for me to call him up to the Eagles world cup squad," Keshi disclosed.

"What most Nigerians don't understand is that, this team is not about a player, but about the team. No player is a boss in the team, but all players are equal. I don't want to invite a player that would unsettle the team chemistry and unity."

He added: "How come some Nigerians keep talking about two players only? Ikechukwu Uche and Osaze Odemwingie. Are they the only players doing well that have not been invited? How about Lukman Haruna, Michael Babatunde, why are people not talking about them?

"One thing we must know is that it’s only the best we will pick to the World Cup. But what we will not do is pick players who want to lord themselves on other players in the team." 

Nigeria must name a 30-man provisional squad for Brazil 2014 by May 13.

Nigeria Hold On To Edge Tough China PR

Fan Yuqiu scored midway through the second half to cut Nigeria’s lead in half as China PR began to mount a comeback, but Onyinyechukwu Okeke performed admirably in goal for Nigeria as the African's back line held on to a 2-1 win in their first Group D encounter at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica. 

Nigeria took the lead in the 21st-minute when Uchenna Kanu was the first to get an in-swinging corner kick but Peng Shimeng made a good initial save only to give up a rebound that fell to Rasheedat Ajibade, who made no mistake and broke the deadlock with an emphatic strike.

China were able to break into Nigeria’s final third but Okeke was rarely tested. At the beginning of the second half the Africans looked to be the stronger side yet again, and in the 63rd minute their lead was doubled courtesy of a powerful header from Kanu.

Only a minute later, however, China found their way back into the game when captain Fan Yugiu calmly finished Yan Liu’s cross. The Chinese continued to press for an equaliser during the final 25 minutes but the Nigerian backline held firm.  In a delightful display of respect and sportsmanship, the Chinese team bowed to the Nigerian bench after the final whistle blew.

China will look to earn their first points in Group D when they face Mexico on Wednesday, while Nigeria will look to secure a firm grasp atop the group when they take on Colombia.

Player of the match: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)

Flamingoes Bullish For World Cup Opener

Nigeria coach Bala Nikyu has said his team will shock China in their opening game at the 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica on Sunday. 

Nigeria's opening game against China will be played by 5.pm (CR Time), which is 12am Nigeria time on Monday. 

Nikyu said the Flamingoes will unleash their surprised package on the Gao Hong-led Chinese ladies. 

"It's a game we are long expecting - We have been waiting for this day, we have not relented and have trained well. China will be coming as a giant, but Nigeria is a big country on its own and they will be surprised by what they will take back," Nikyyu said. 

Despite admitting having little knowledge of the Asian giants at age-grade competitions, the Nigeria coach insisted the China will be under pressure. 

"At the youth level, if we are thinking of China, they are also thinking about us - we don't mind any opponent coming - We are ready to play - and after 90 minutes the result will judge," the one-time assistant coach of the Super Falcons said. "We hope to make Nigerians excited at the end of 90 minutes." 

Oboabona Says Club Not Going Down

Nigeria international Godfrey Oboabona has affirmed that his struggling Turkish club Rizespor will stay up in the top flight. 

Rizespor are 16th on the 18-team league table with 26 points from 24 games after they drew 2-2 with Besiktas on Saturday. 

"We are not in good position, but I am sure we won't be relegated. We will do our best to retain our position in the top flight," Oboabona told said.

He also said he missed compatriot Uche Kalu, who left Rizespor for Adanspor.

"Yes I missed Uche (Kalu) but I am adapting to life without him here," he said.

He said he hopes to keep his place in the first team after he featured against Besiktas following a three-game shutout. 

"I am very happy to return to my team's starting line-up. I am back to stay as I will do all my best to keep the shirt," the defender assured. "It was a tough game against Besiktas and both teams played well."

Sunday Mba Nets Fifth Goal

Nigeria international Sunday Mba scored his fifth goal of the season with the match winner for CA Bastia against Troyes on Friday. 

Midfielder Mba has not featured for Nigeria this year and it is left to be seen if his goals and game-time in the French lower league will be enough to earn him a place on the 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup. 

The AFCON 2013 hero scored in the third minute against Troyes to take his goals’ haul in the French division two to two goals, having scored thrice in the French Cup. 

However, CA Bastia remain rooted to the bottom of the league with 17 points from 28 games.