Nigeria land in Goa for U17 Women’s World Cup semi-final date with Colombia

Nigeria U17 women side arrived in Goa on Saturday afternoon ahead of their semi-final clash with Colombia ,who humiliated Tanzania 3-0 in the quarterfinal of the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

On Friday, the Flamingos made history as they fought against all odds outclassed one of the tournament’s favourites, the United States of America with 4-3 win on penalties to break the West Africans’ quarterfinal jinx.

At the DY Patil Stadium, coach Bankole Olowookere’s side had stormed into the lead through a well converted spot kick by Omamuso Edafe in the 26th minute after Amina Bello was fouled inside the box.

However the Americans’ foughtback to level matters in the 40th minute when Amelia Villarreal’s effort took a deflection to beat Flamingo goalkeeper Faith Omilana but both sides settled for the penalty shootout after 1-1 draw.

On Saturday, Colombia defeated nine-woman Tanzania with first-half goals from Linda Caicedo, Yesica Munoz and Gabriele Rodriguez ensuring a perfect progression to the semifinal at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Despite the quarterfinal defeat, debutantes Tanzania will hold their heads up high with their incredible achievement, having proved the bookmakers wrong by reaching the last eight of the competition on their first attempt.

Carlos Paniagua’s girls, who finished as the 2022 U-17 CONMEBOL Championship winners has already had enjoyed their best outing in the tournament’s history, making it past the group stage for the first time in six attempts.

After ousting Tanzania, South American giants will hope to replicate the good resul at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa when they meet the only African side Nigeria for a place in the final of the 16-nation championship.