Lagos – Edwin Okon, Chief Coach of the Falconets, has reaffirmed his respect for the Mexican team that they are to confront in Thursday's quarter-final match of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.
Ejiro Femi-Babafemi, Media Officer of the Falconets, said in a statement released on Wednesday from Japan that Coach Okon said the match would be full of surprises.
"This is a team that came from a 4-0 goal deficit against Japan in their opening match to qualify for the quarter-final.
"It shows that it is a team with great potential and determination," the statement quoted him as saying.
It adds: "but l have told my girls not to be deterred, but they should be resolute. All the eight teams left in the competition are targeting the trophy, so it is going to be a tough fight.''
The statement also said that the girls have also practiced penalty shoot-outs, in case the match entered into extra time.
"This will be the second meeting between the two teams.''
It also quoted Okon as saying that in 2010 in Germany, both teams played a 1-1 draw at the group stage of the competition.
The statement noted that players and coaches were now in the habit of studying the video recordings of the opponents' matches, noting that the national team had an edge, having reached the quarter finals in the 2010 edition.
Mexico was knocked out of that tournament by Korea Republic.
Meanwhile, it said that Singaporean referee, Apbai Abirami, would be at the centre in Thursday's game, to be assisted by Cui Yongmei of China.
Lee Seulgi of Korea and Qin Liang of China would be the second Assistant Referee and fourth official, respectively. (NAN)
Thursday's Game
Tokyo Nigeria Vs Mexico 08 a.m.
Tokyo Japan Vs S/Korea 11.30 a.m.
Saitama Korea DPR Vs USA 11.30 a.m.
Saitama Germany Vs Norway 08 a.m.
Vanguard Nigeria
it is better we beat them black and blue so that we can gain international respect a little bit.