The Nigerian U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, has been eliminated from the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after falling to Colombia in the semi-finals on Wednesday, reports Sports247.ng.
The game inside the Fatorda Stadium in Goa ended goalless after 90 minutes and Nigeria fell short 5-6 on penalties.
Nigeria started the game well and had more possession in the first half, but the Colombians looked far more dangerous and came close to breaking the deadlock a couple of times.
In the 26th minute, Muñoz Rojas missed a big chance to put the South Americans in front following a lapse in concentration from Nigeria’s defense. The striker’s shot from inside the box went a few inches off target.
Colombia came close to breaking the deadlock again three minutes later. This time, a long range free kick from Mary Espitaleta hit the crossbar and Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Faith Omilana was in the right place to save a rebound effort from a Colombian attacker.
Colombia scored just before halftime, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half ended goalless.
The second half was more evenly contested, with fewer clear chances, but the Flamingos still had to rely on Faith Omilana’s brilliance to stay in the game. Neither team was able to find a winner, so the game was decided on penalties.
Both teams converted four of their first five penalties and the shootout went to sudden death. Nigeria’s Comfort Folorunsho missed the vital last kick of the shoutout.
The Flamingos lost 5-6 and will now compete for third place against the losers of Germany vs Spain. The third-place game will be played on Sunday, the same day as the final of the World Cup.
