FIFA U-20 WWC: Nigeria's Falconets begin campaign with defeat to Spain

Nigeria will face China PR on Wednesday as they look to revive their hopes of progressing from Group F. INVESTIGATION: How criminals exploited Benue's conflicts to traffic children, womenSPECIAL REPORT: Some Nigerians turn to faith healers as HIV aid dries upBeyond the ribbon: The questions Nigeria's 2027 campaign must answer, By Dakuku Peterside Third quarter national security update: Building security through coordination, intelligence and public trust, By Chido Onumah ICPC's red flag and Tinubu's response: Why Nigeria must stop fighting corruption backwards, By Nafisat BelloSenator Buba, banditry and the social media mercenaries, By Yushau A. Shuaib Beyond the rule of 70: Why subsidy should never crawl back into Nigeria's economic discourse, By Gboyega Nasir IsiakaINVESTIGATION: How criminals exploited Benue's conflicts to traffic children, womenSPECIAL REPORT: Some Nigerians turn to faith healers as HIV aid dries upBeyond the ribbon: The questions Nigeria's 2027 campaign must answer, By Dakuku Peterside Third quarter national security update: Building security through coordination, intelligence and public trust, By Chido Onumah ICPC's red flag and Tinubu's response: Why Nigeria must stop fighting corruption backwards, By Nafisat BelloSenator Buba, banditry and the social media mercenaries, By Yushau A. Shuaib Beyond the rule of 70: Why subsidy should never crawl back into Nigeria's economic discourse, By Gboyega Nasir IsiakaThe Falconets, who had arrived in Poland following an extensive period of preparation, were unable to find a way past the former world champions at the Stadion Sosnowiec. Spain took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García, putting Nigeria on the back foot early in the encounter. The Falconets attempted to respond but struggled to break down a well-organised Spanish defence as the European side maintained its advantage into the second half. Spain eventually doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Alba Cerrato found the net to put the result beyond Nigeria's reach. The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their next Group F fixture against China on Wednesday, 10 September. Head coach Moses Aduku had earlier described the opening encounter against Spain as a 'Cup final' and challenged his players to approach the match with maximum commitment. 'We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side, no doubt, but we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win,' Aduku said. Nigeria's next two group matches against China and New Caledonia will now take on greater importance as the Falconets seek to recover from their opening-day setback. The Falconets are among the most successful African teams in the history of the competition, having finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Tunde Eludini Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES.