Grapevine

Danjuma targets U-20 Women’s W’Cup title

“I think we’re closing in on our goal. As Africans, we have a spiritual perspective. We are confident that now is the right time to emulate the opportunities and events of 2010 and 2014. I am certain Africa will stand at the top of the world for the first time,” he told FIFA.

“I’m certain we’re on the right track. Every tournament, we showcase top players such as Asisat Oshoala, who was our star performer at the 2014 U-20 World Cup. I am confident that at least one other ‘Agba Baller’ (football legend), as our fans call her, will emerge in Colombia,” added Danjuma, who is approaching his 61st birthday and has invested everything since taking over in 2017.

Danjuma believes the competition has been a learning curve for him, having learnt a great deal from their 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2022 edition in Costa Rica.

He said, “Of course, we categorically refuse to go through a similar situation again. We’ve worked a great deal on our efficiency in front of goal, as that’s what was missing two years ago. Our opponents were no stronger than us, but they knew how to handle decisive moments better, and that made all the difference.”

Nigeria will begin their campaign in Group D alongside Germany, Venezuela, and South Korea, which Danjuma believes gives his team an added advantage because all three nations are keen to develop women’s football.