FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria lose to Colombia 6-5 on penalties

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national football team, Flamingos have lost their semifinal match against Colombia at the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup holding in India.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls lost 6-5 on penalties after playing a goalless draw in regulation time.

The Nigerians held unto the ball for a number of minutes once proceedings began but could not produce an end product. The likes of Taiwo Afolabi, Opeyemi Ajakaye and Amina Bello could not create spaces to score against the Colombians.

Colombia began settling into the game and could have been 1-0 up but number 9 Yesica Muñoz’s shot was well saved. The forward was set up by Gabriela Rodriguez’s inviting cross but Nigeria’s goalkeeper Faith Omilana was equal to the task.

ALSO READ: Ahmed Musa: A Nigerian football legend par excellence

Two minutes later, Mary Espitaleta’s strong free-kick was tipped to the crossbar by Omilana. The goalkeeper also gathered the resulting rebound.

Colombia’s attacking forays

Colombia continued to threaten up front with the trio of Rodriguez, Muñoz and Linda Caicedo being the main threats.

As the Flamingos continued to lose hold on the midfield, Quintero Orianna almost tested the Nigerian goalkeeper in the 38th minute. Comfort Folorunsho, under intense pressure from Orianna, miscued a header, freeing the Colombian through on goal. However, Omamuzo Edafe quickly intervened with a quick clearance.

In the 38th minute, Caicedo was played through on goal but decided to send the ball across the box despite being in a good position to shoot. The ball fell for Muñoz who was denied once again by Omilana.

At the resume of the second half, another defensive error helped Muñoz race towards the Nigerian goal. Omilana spread herself well to save the striker’s shot. Colombia could have been three or four nil up against Nigeria in the World Cup semifinal but for the heroics of Omilana.

The goalkeeper was called into action once again in the 70th minute as she made a terrific save to keep the Nigerians in the game.

Minutes later, Caicedo dribbled past Shakirat Oyinlola before firing from a tight angle but Omilana was equal to the task.

After the game ended goalless in relaxation time, Colombia went on to win 6-5 in the penalty shootout.

Edafe missed the kick that could have sealed it for the West Africans. Her loss ensured that after the first five kicks for each team, the scorelines stood at 4-4. Centre back Folorunsho also had her kicked saved, as the Colombians celebrated the remarkable final achievement.