FIFA U-20: Falconets battle Colombia for semi-final spot
By Tosin Omojola
Nigeria’s Falconets are in high spirits ahead of Sunday’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia in Łódź, following their emphatic 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.
The two-time runners-up return to familiar territory with history on their side, having defeated Colombia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition. Ebere Orji scored after just two minutes in Bielefeld, Germany, as Nigeria held on for victory.
Despite the impressive win over England, Head Coach Moses Aduku has warned his players against complacency, insisting the focus must now be on overcoming Colombia.
“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. The girls realise that this is an extraordinary opportunity for them to write their names in gold in Nigerian football.”
Colombia also advanced with a 1-0 victory over hosts Poland on Thursday night, matching the Falconets’ result against the hosts in a pre-tournament friendly in Brzeg.
The Falconets displayed confidence and determination during Saturday’s official training, which coincided with the payment of outstanding daily allowances to the players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
