Nigeria's Flamingos will play Germany in Saturday's third-place game after yesterday's semi-final sudden death penalty shootout loss to Colombia.
In a dramatic late victory in the second semi-final, which was also played yesterday, Spain, the defending FIFA Women's U-17 champions, edged out the German girls.
Earlier, Colombia advanced to the final of the 7th FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in India after defender Comfort Folorunsho's successful penalty kick against Luisa Agudelo in sudden death.
Yesterday's match in Goa ended in a bleak 0-0 stalemate between the two teams, and, as it did against the United States on Friday, the Flamingos' coaching staff substituted Linda Jiwuaku for the outstanding Faith Omilana in the shootout.
Omilana virtually kept Nigeria in the tie with five big saves, with the Flamingos’ forward-line failing to create many chances. Big defender Mary Espitaleta rocked the crossbar from 23 yards in the 29th minute as the South Americans poured forward, and Omilana produced a crucial block to deny nifty captain Linda Caicedo with seven minutes left in the first period.
The inspiring Omilana foiled Caicedo severally in the second period, and penalties had to be applied to separate two teams looking for a spot in Sunday’s Championship Match.
Nigeria was a kick away from victory after Yesica Munoz saw her kick saved by Jiwuaku whilst Gabriela Rodriguez, Stefania Perlaza, Mary Espitaleta and Linda Caicedo scored for Colombia. Immaculata Offiong, Etim Edidiong, Miracle Usani and Taiwo Afolabi scored for Nigeria. But defender Omamuzo Edafe, who had scored Nigeria’s winner against USA in the quarter-finals, struck her kick against the upright.
In sudden death, Juana Ortegon scored just as Shakirat Oyinlola, but after Nathalia Hernandez beat Jiwuaku, Comfort Folorunsho hit her kick against the body of Luisa Agudelo.
Nigeria will play the loser of the second semi-final in Saturday’s bronze medal match.