The Falconets are in the worst spot of the klieg lights after 1-0 victories over France and Canada propelled them to the top of Group C, but Head Coach Chris Danjuma Musa insists that his players have their feet firmly planted as they take on the North Americans in hopes of earning another three points.
To keep a positive attitude and a winning mentality, we would like to make it three wins in a row. It would be challenging for any team to defeat us if we are accustomed to triumphing.
"It would be a mistake to slow down or lose enthusiasm just because we've advanced to the quarterfinals. The easiest way to approach it is to always treat each game as a task that needs to be completed without pausing. The winning mentality is what will keep us going because we still have to play tougher teams in the future.
READ ALSO: Nigeria's Chioma Onyekwere Wins Gold In The 2022 Commonwealth Games
After losing their first two games against the Korean Republic and France, with a deficit of four goals, Canada, the tournament's host eight years ago when Nigeria made it to the Final for the second time (losing by an odd goal to Germany), is riding an impossible wave.
Nigeria has already qualified, therefore the race for the second slot in Group C is a straightforward one between Korea Republic and France, who play at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose at 3 a.m. Nigerian time. Each team has earned three points.
In order for Canada to advance, they would need to defeat Nigeria by a large margin and hope that either France or the Korean Republic would humiliate the other in the capital.
Musa will undoubtedly start with the women who defeated the obstinate Koreans on Sunday night. The steel and awareness of captain Oluwatosin Demehin, Omowumi Oshobukola, Jumoke Alani, and Rofiat Imuran are supporting the two-time runners-up pretty well at the back, and goalkeeper Omini Oyono demonstrated better composure and ball handling.
Alongside Chioma Olise, Bashirat Amoo, Joy Jerry, and the tireless Mercy Idoko, it is also anticipated that midfielder Esther Onyenezide, who scored the goal that defeated the Koreans, and forward Flourishes Sabastine, who scored the three-point winner versus France, will be in the action.
