Nigeria Target Semi-Final Return After 3-0 Win Over England
Nigeria’s Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday as both teams battle for a place in the last four.
The match in Łódź will see Nigeria make their ninth quarter-final appearance at the tournament, equalling the United States for the second-highest number of last-eight appearances. Germany lead with 10.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals after defeating England 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Rafiu opened the scoring with an impressive solo effort before Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a left-footed volley. Mamudu completed the scoring to seal the victory.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma also played a key role, making a crucial save to deny England before stopping Rachel Maltby’s penalty and pushing the spot-kick onto the crossbar.
The win marked a strong turnaround for Moses Aduku’s side, who failed to win their opening two matches before thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 and then defeating England in the knockout stage.
Aduku has urged his players to put the England victory behind them and focus on Colombia.
“After the game against England, I told the players, this game is gone, let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play so let’s focus on the next one,” he said.
Colombia reached the quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory over hosts Poland. The South Americans have never been eliminated before the quarter-final stage in their four previous appearances at the tournament.
Colombia midfielder Juana Ortegon said her team would approach the match one game at a time but remained determined to challenge for the title.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals, while the losing side will be eliminated.
Nigeria vs Colombia
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Venue: Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, Łódź