Flamingos fall to vengeance-seeking Colombians

Face Germany, again, for bronze medal

After losing twice to Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Colombia, yesterday, had their pound of flesh by ending Flamingos’ dream at India 2022 edition of the competition.

The South Americans won the semifinal tie 6-5 on penalties to book their first-ever final ticket. The game played at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa had ended 0-0.

It was the third time both teams will meet as Nigeria had twice beaten Colombia in 2012 and 2014. At Azerbaijan 2012, the Flamingos defeated Colombia 3-0 in a Group A match played in Baku with Halimatu Ayinde scoring in the 32nd and 75th minute, while an own-goal by a Colombian, Diana Duarte, in the 80th minute completed the Nigerian victory.

They met again at Costa Rica 2014 in the Group D match played at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, with The Flamingos coming from behind to win 2-1. Uchenna kanu scored the winner for Nigeria

Before yesterday’s match, the Flamingos had raised Nigerians hope of another ‘miracle’ after their historic defeat of one of the pre-championship favourites, U.S., in the quarterfinal.

But their luck could only carry them for 90 minutes in what was considered as one of the worst games ever executed by a Nigerian national team. With poor tactics and uncoordinated pattern of play, the Flamingos were turned into mere passengers throughout the duration of the match.

The Colombians dominated the game and carved out swathes of chances that left the Nigerian defence gasping for inspiration, with only the sharp reflexes of Faith Omilana keeping the South Americans at bay.

Yesica Munoz drew two sharp saves from an alert Omilana before the Nigerian tipped a freekick from Mary Alvarez against the crossbar, while Linda Caicedo kept weaving her way through both wings of the Flamingos’ defence.

The introduction of Ajakaye in the second half presented Nigeria’s first real chance in the game. She pounced on a defensive error from the Colombians but her first-time shot was parried away by the goalkeeper.

The match ended goalless and tapered into a penalty shootout.

Just before the referee ended the game, Flamingos’ head coach, Bankole Olowookere, substituted goalkeeper Omilana, who had single-handedly saved the team from being battered by the rampaging Colombians.

In the shootout, Omamuzo Edafe and Comfort Folorunso lost their respective kicks and Colombia advanced into the final.
Colombia will now meet Spain, while Nigeria will face Germany in the third-place match on Sunday. Spain defeated Germany in the second semifinal to book their place in the championship game.