The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Chris Danjuma as the Head Coach of the U20 Women National Team, Falconets.
This decision follows a meticulous screening and interview process conducted by the NFF Technical Committee, with the committee’s recommendations gaining approval from the NFF Executive Committee.
The selection process kicked off with a one-week public notice inviting applications from qualified individuals. Short-listed candidates underwent interviews conducted by a panel from the Technical Committee.
Chris Danjuma, who previously took temporary charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, has a noteworthy track record. He led the Falconets to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica last year.
Assisting Danjuma in his coaching role are Mansur Abdullahi, former U20 and U17 girls’ assistant coach, and Effioanwan Ekpo, former Super Falcons’ midfielder. Ekpo, a football veteran, brings a wealth of experience, having represented Nigeria for a decade and participated in various international tournaments.
Yahaya Audu, the team’s goalkeeper trainer, also makes a return to his position, reinforcing the coaching staff with his expertise.
Looking ahead, the Falconets are set to embark on their qualifying campaign for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Their journey begins with a second-round, first-leg encounter against Mauritius on Sunday, 8th October, in Saint Pierre, with the return leg scheduled for the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday, 14th October 2023. Colombia is set to host the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.
The reappointment of Chris Danjuma and the assembled coaching team signal a strategic move by the NFF to ensure a robust and experienced leadership for the Falconets as they pursue success in the upcoming qualifiers.
