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Flamingos Set Sight on FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Final Ticket at Colombia’s Expense

After upsetting established powers in the ongoing FIFA U17 women’s world cup, Nigeria will be banking on the massive support of the country’s Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau ahead of tomorrow’s semifinal against Colombia.

Having arrived in Goa, India yesterday Alhaji Gusau’s motivation will come handy for the coach Bankole Olowokere’s Flamingos who will be marshalling out plans by now on how to contain tournament top scorer with 4 goals, Colombia’s Linda Caicedo.

To book a meeting with Colombia, the Flamingos became the first African team to reach the semi finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, after ripping apart the form book with a sensational penalty shootout win over favourites United States last Friday.

Nigeria is also the only African country to have played in the Final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The first time was in Germany in 2010, when the Falconets lost 0-2 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 by the odd goal after extra time in Montreal.

On Wednesday, 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.

The Flamingos’ 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.

Wednesday’s encounter starts at 12 noon Nigeria time.   

Colombian girls

Head to head between Nigeria and Colombia:

The two nations have met twice at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup before, with Nigeria winning on both occasions.

Both victories came in the group stage: 3-0 in 2012, and 2-1 in 2014.

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