By Adeleye Kunle
Nigeria’s Flamingos failed to progress to the final at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India following a 6-5 penalty shootout defeat against Colombia.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes.
It’s the first time Nigeria will be playing in the semi-final of the biennial competition.
Emmanuel Blessing came close to netting the curtain raiser for Nigeria on six minutes but her effort went inches wide.
The Flamingos maintained the pressure with Shakirat Oyinlola coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute.
The Colombians turned the heat afterwards with goalkeeper Faith Omilana making a couple of good saves
The South Americans had a goal ruled for offside late in the first half.
Flamingos head coach, Bankole Olowookere replaced Fatimo Adeshina with Opeyemi Ajakaye after the break.
The Nigerian girls came under repeated pressure in the second half but Omilana was at her best thwarting the Colombians.
Omilana was replaced by second-choice goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku at 90 minutes.
The game went straight into penalties after both teams failed to score in regulation time.
The Flamingos scored five penalty kicks, while the Colombians netted six
