When Falconets chief coach, Ndem Egan steps out with his wards against the USA in the quarter final match of the on-going FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in Augsburg, Germany today, he would be driven by the ambition to be the first Nigerian coach to guide the team beyond the quarter final stage.

After surviving the Mexico scare in their last group match, the mood in the Nigerian camp soared and coach Egan and his girls are not ready to play a second fiddle to any team in the tournament. They look determined to break what appears like a jinx. And there is no better time to do it than today against the Americans.

In the three matches played so far, the Falconets won one and drew two. Against Japan, the Nigerian girls showed a lot of potentials that placed them on a high scale. Nigeria made Amarachi Okoronkwo and Desire Oparanozie's early goals really count despite Mana Iwabuchi's second half consolation.

Except for injury fears surrounding the team's star act, Ebere Orji, coach Egan has the wherewithal to dismantle the tough American's rare guard which has conceded just two goals since the commencement of the tournament.

Should Ebere be in good playing condition, she is expected to reignite her fantastic runs deep into the opponents' half, spraying defence-splitting passes that could cause a lot of confusion among the opposing defenders and their goalkeeper. Expected to complement the hard-working Ebere are Desire Oparanozie, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Esther Sunday and Ngozi Ebere.

Orji had strong words for the Americans. "We try to stamp our style of play on games, by controlling possession and attacking in numbers," said Orji, after their victory over Japan.

Perhaps, the biggest job in Nigeria's quest to cross the American hurdle will be on the shoulders of the Nigerian defence. The defenders must try and stop the fast American forward line. It will be a game of wits. Goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan must be at her usual best to keep the Americans in constant check.

Coach Egan is confident of an encouraging outcome from today's encounter as he believes his girls will rise to the occasion.