Nigeria lost to Colombia in a penalty shootout on Wednesday in Goa, India, and was kicked out of the 7th FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
After both sides had fought to a bleak scoreless draw, defender Comfort Folorunso struck her kick against Luisa Agudelo in sudden death to send the South Americans into the championship game.
Similar to what happened against the United States on Friday, the Flamingos’ coaching staff substituted Linda Jiwuaku for the outstanding Faith Omilana in the shootout.
With five significant stops, Omilana effectively kept Nigeria in the contest as the Flamingos’ attacking line struggled to generate many chances for goals.
In the 29th minute, as the South Americans pushed forward, big defender Mary Espitaleta struck the crossbar from 23 yards.
Also, with seven minutes left in the first quarter, Omilana made a critical block to stop clever skipper Linda Caicedo.
Omilana continued to outshine Caicedo throughout the second half, and penalty kicks were required to separate the two sides competing for a position in Sunday’s championship game.
After Yesica Munoz’s kick was stopped by Jiwuaku, Nigeria was one goal away from victory. Gabriela Rodriguez, Stefania Perlaza, Mary Espitaleta, and Linda Caicedo scored for Colombia.
Defender Omamuzo Edafe, who had scored Nigeria’s winning goal against the United States in the quarterfinals, struck the upright as Immaculata Offiong, Etim Edidiong, Miracle Usani, and Taiwo Afolabi scored for Nigeria.
Juana Ortegon scored in sudden death much like Shakirat Oyinlola did, but after Nathalia Hernandez defeated Jiwuaku, Folorunso struck Agudelo with her kick.
The Flamingos will now play the losers of the second semi-final match in Saturday’s bronze medal game.
