Falconets head coach Christopher Danjuma is confident the team will be ready for their round of 16 clash against Japan in the 2024 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
The Falconets thrashed Venezuela 4-0 on Saturday to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition, to book a date with the Asian side.
The Nigerian team went into the encounter with the South Americans needing a positive result having defeating Korea Republic 1-0 in their first game, but lost 3-1 to Germany in their second group clash.
The Falconets bounced back from that Germany defeat, with Omowunmi Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine and Joy Igbokwe scoring against Venezuela.
The win ensured Nigeria finished second in Group D, level on points with Germany but behind on goal difference.
Danjuma said the team has learnt lessons in the previous U-20 World Cups, and will adequately prepare to face the Japanese team on Friday, at 2am Nigerian time.
“It feels nice and having known that we have qualified to the round of 16, the feeling of advancing to the next stage is greater,” he said.
“Every game has its approach and the level of concentration and transition (against Venezuela) was quite better and the conversion of chances created also. So, we are still a work in progress and we believe we are going to get there.
“Thank you so much Nigerians for your support, thank you for believing in us. Just that we still need your prayers and support, back us up to the end.”
Japan won all their matches in Group E and are expected to be a tough test for the Falconets.
