Nigeria’s Falconets will target their first FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup semi-final appearance in 12 years when they battle Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
The two-time runners-up return to familiar territory with history on their side, having beaten Colombia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 tournament in Germany.
Ebere Orji scored after just two minutes in Bielefeld as Nigeria held on to reach their first final and secure a podium finish in a FIFA women’s football competition.
That historic run followed a dramatic quarter-final victory over the United States in Augsburg. Helen Ukaonu equalised 11 minutes from time before Ukaonu, Joy Jegede, Esther Sunday and Desire Oparanozie converted their penalties to send Nigeria through.
The Falconets head into Sunday’s clash with confidence after a commanding 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored to eliminate the Young Lionesses, while goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced a standout performance, making six crucial saves, including a penalty.
Mamudu has also been among Nigeria’s consistent scorers, having found the net against hosts Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendlies.
Head coach Moses Aduku has warned his players against complacency despite their impressive victory over England.
‘It will be unwise for us to keep thinking of the win over England. That match is gone, and we already cut short our celebration immediately after in the dressing room to focus on the encounter with Colombia,’ Aduku said.
‘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.’
Colombia also defeated Poland 1-0 in the Round of 16, setting up a quarter-final clash between two sides with recent victories over the tournament hosts.
The Falconets showed confidence during their final training session on Saturday, which coincided with the payment of outstanding daily allowances to players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation.
NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme also gave the players a financial reward and urged them to maintain their focus.
‘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.’
Nigeria have reached the final of the U20 Women’s World Cup three times but are yet to win the title.