SEDARA OLUWADARA
The Nigerian U17 Women National Team have lost their semifinal match against Colombia in a disappointing 6-5 penalty defeat to the South Americans.
Flamingos started the match on the front foot, piling pressure on the Colombians but failed to create a clear cut chance.
For the first twenty minutes of the match, 9 out of the 10 Nigerian outfield players were in the opposition half trying to conjure a goal but could not make it happen with the Colombians also trying to break on a counter.
The first real chance of the game fell to the Colombians when Flamingos left back misjudged the ball and Colombians tried to square play the ball but the shot was blocked by Folorunsho to keep the game 0-0.
Colombia soon came out of their hives, creating multiple chances after the first 20 minutes and really settling into the game with Captain Caicedo leading the charge.
Caicedo’s cross into the box was poorly shot by her teammate, hence making Nigerian goalkeeper Omilana watch it go wide.
As the half progressed, Colombia had a free kick from about 35 yards out and the center back Mary Espitaleta played a direct shot which was brilliantly met by Omilana fingertip save to parry ball towards the crossbar and away from danger.
Nigeria also tried to get back into the game after facing a lot of pressure with just 1 of their 8 shots being on target in the first half while the Colombians had 5 of their 9 shots on target.
At the start of the second half, Ajakaiye replaced Adesina, tilting Miracle Usani to the left back position.
However, fortunes didn’t change much for Nigeria as they were still on the back foot with Caiceido, Guzman, Roudriguez and Munoz all being saved by the goalkeeper.
Nigeria had one major break but Ajakaiye’s effort was partied away by the Colombian goalkeeper.
Penalty specialist Chikamso Jiwaku was brought on for Faith Omilana before the end of regular time and was able to save Colombia’s third penalty.
However, Edafe’s penalty hit the upright to extend the shootout after both teams had scored 4 each after the 5 regular shootout.
Center Back, Comfort Folorunsho penalty was saved by the Colombian goalkeeper to eliminate Nigeria’s dream of getting the Under 17 World Cup final for the first time
