Nigeria’s under-20 women team, the Falconets begin their campaign at the FIFA under-20 Women World Cup today, when they face England in a group C pairing in Augsburg, Germany.

The Falconets are making their fourth straight appearance in the tournament  and according to the team coach Adat Egan, the Falconets have all it takes to win the trophy.

He was quick to remember the exploits of the team in the last edition 2008 in Chile, where they were unlucky by not progressing to the semi-final. The Falconets were stopped by France, after they conceded a late minute goal to lose out with a 3-2 defeat.

However, this time around coach  Egan said that his girls are battle ready. Adding that they are out to make Nigerians proud after the disappointment of South Africa 2010.

Egan said that the girls are in top form and they can hold their ground against the English girls.“We are facing a real test  of our intention against the English team. But we have a formidable team, better than what we have during the qualifiers,”said the coach.

“I have a team of very disciplined and committed players, who are willing to learn and want to make a name for themselves and their country. We are confident we will achieve our targets.”

The Falconets have been tipped to emerged from the group featuring England, Mexico and Japan. This is the second time Nigeria and England are meeting in  the tournament, they met in the group stages at Chile 2008 and it ended in a 1-1 draw.

“ We are in a tough group.  England and Japan have shown their stuff in different tournaments that they are no push overs, but I remain positive that we will make it out of the group”, added Egan who coaches Pelican Stars of Calabar.