By Akinwale Kasali
The Flamingoes of Nigeria will trade tackles with South American Country, Colombia in their quest to book a place In their first ever finals of the Under-17 Female FIFA World Cup.
Having defeated the highly rated United States of America in a Penalty Shootout at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in India to book a place in their first ever semi final berth in the competition, the Flamingoes Coach, Bankole Olowookere had told his fans and the world that they should be prepared for more surprises as he has a lot of it in his sleeves.
As the Flamingoes file out against the Colombians who had earlier defeated another African nation, Tanzania in the Quarter Finals 3-0, the Colombians say it is battle ready to face the African powerhouse in their quest to also book a place in the finals.
But the Nigerian girls had disclosed that they feel even more motivated to reach the Championship finals at the expense of Colombia play first semi-final on Wednesday.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday arrived the Indian city of Goa, where he will lead the cheers as Africa’s best team seeks to extend their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup record by reaching Sunday’s final.
In the history of Female Football, Nigeria is the only African country to have played in the Final of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. The first time was in Germany in 2010, when the Falconets lost 2-0 to Germany after an early goal by Player of the Tournament Alexander Popp and an unfortunate own goal by defender Osinachi Ohale in Bielefeld.
The second time was in Canada in 2014, when the Germans again prevailed courtesy of a 1-0 victory after extra time in Montreal, Canada.
As the team file out, the history-making Coach Olowookere will again bank on goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Miracle Usani, Tumininu Adeshina, Comfort Folorunsho and Blessing Emmanuel, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Alvine Dah-Zossu and Blessing Sunday, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Edidiong Etim and Aminat Omowunmi Bello to deliver the final ticket.
The Flamingoes fire-power is not in doubt, having scored a total of eight goals in open play, conceding four. They have put a total of 36 shots on target, making them the side that has created the most opportunities of the four teams left in the competition.
The semi final match against Colombia comes up by 12pm Nigerian time on Wednesday, 26th October, 2022
