Falconets Target First FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Semi-Final In 12 Years
Nigeria’s Falconets will aim to reach the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years when they face Colombia in Sunday’s quarter-final in Łódź.
The two-time runners-up go into the clash in confident mood after a commanding 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16 in Bielsko-Biała.
Nigeria also have a positive history against Colombia at this stage of the competition. The Falconets defeated the South Americans 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 tournament, with Ebere Orji scoring after just two minutes in Bielefeld, Germany.
That victory secured Nigeria’s first appearance in a FIFA women’s football final and their first podium finish in a FIFA-organised women’s competition.
The Falconets had earlier eliminated the United States in the quarter-finals, with Helen Ukaonu equalising 11 minutes from time before Nigeria prevailed in a penalty shoot-out.
Nigeria’s latest challenge comes against a Colombia side that eliminated hosts Poland 1-0 in the Round of 16. Colombia also defeated Poland by the same scoreline in a pre-tournament friendly, while Nigeria had beaten the hosts 1-0 in Brzeg.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target against England, with Mamudu continuing her impressive scoring form after also finding the net against Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendlies.
Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will again be crucial to Nigeria’s hopes after producing six major saves, including a penalty stop, during a remarkable performance against England.
Coach Moses Aduku has warned his players against dwelling on their impressive victory over England.
‘It will be unwise for us to keep thinking of the win over England,’ Aduku said. ‘That match is gone and we already cut short our celebration immediately after in the dressing room to focus on the encounter with Colombia.
‘The Colombians sent out the host nation and will not be a walk-in-the-park for us. We must put our best foot forward, contest every ball and go for victory.’
Aduku believes the quarter-final presents his players with an opportunity to make their mark in Nigerian football history.
‘The girls realise that this is an extraordinary opportunity for them to write their names in gold in Nigeria football,’ he added.
The Falconets trained with confidence on Saturday, with the session coinciding with the payment of outstanding daily allowances to the players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation.
NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme also gave the players a cash token and urged them to maintain their mentality as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
‘Tournaments naturally get tougher at the closing stages. However, tough teams get tougher when the going gets tough,’ Ikpeme said.
‘The NFF has confidence in you to make Nigeria proud by not only overcoming the Colombian challenge, but also going all the way to lift the trophy for the very first time.’
