Nigeria’s Falconets have shifted focus on dead-ball kicks and penalties shootout in today’s semifinal clash against USA at the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.
The coach Edwin Okon led crew appears not to be taking chances since it was penalties that handed Nigeria win over US two years ago in Germany.
“Anything can happen at this stage even though we have always practiced penalties during our training sessions.
“But this time we felt it was pertinent to step up the tempo because of the possibility of the match going into extra time,” Okon said.
Okon, who hinged his wards success on determination and renewed spirit said most of the mistakes noted in the previous matches have been corrected.
“We had four days to work on the players weaknesses and strengths and l can say that the response from them has been very encouraging,” said the Rivers Angels gaffer.
Nigeria and the US faced resilient opponents in their quarterfinal matches that went into extra time.
While Nigeria won by a lone goal against Mexico, US edged North Korea 2-1 to move into the last four.
tThe two-time champions, US have been in the semifinal five out of six times while Nigeria will making its second consecutive appearances.
Nigeria knocked them the US in the quarterfinal two years ago 4-2 on penalties shootout after regular time ended 1-1.
Esther Staubli, a Swiss and Fifa badged referee, who handled the Argentina and Canada group match, will be in charge of the semifinal tie at 8.00am in Nigeria and 4.00pm Japan’s time.
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