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Nigeria became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final as they overcame Columbia with a 2nd-minute goal in Bielefeld, Germany. By this feat, Falconets have successfully recorded their names and that of their country in the history book of the game.

Nigeria became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final as they beat Columbia with a 2nd-minute goal in Bielefeld, Germany. By this feat, Falconets have successfully recorded their names and that of their country in the history book of the game.

Nigeria got the only goal on a platter of gold as a result of poor judgement by the Colombian goalkeeper. Orji Ebere coveted a re-bound that hit the top pole into an empty net.

The victory over the defending champions in the quarter-final no doubt boosted the Nigerian players’ confidence as they controlled the game with wonderful possession in every aspect of the game.

Their chest and leg ball control were simply superb. Even their passes and dribbles were delightful to watch.

Of course the South American girls were no push over as they made a couple of moves. A shot at goal went off target in the 11th minute.

Both teams made efforts to find the net.

A good run by Okoronkwo in the 14th minute resulted into a corner kick while Colombia missed a great opportunity in the 16th minute of play. It was Colombia again in the 23rd minute when Yoreli’s powerful shot hit the back net.

In the 30th minute, OPARANOZIE’s energetic move almost resulted into another goal but for the quick intervention of three Colombian defenders. The Nigerian attacker was carried out as a result of injury she sustained from the tackle. She immediately returned to the field.

Both teams made several technical changes.

In the first part of the second half, Nigeria still maintained their domination though Colombia equally fought back. Both teams missed two to three goals during this period.

Then the game changed ten minutes to the end as Colombians, realising the time was not on their side, played more attacking football. Such sudden wake up surely put Nigerians in a panic situation, allowing the South Americans to play their game.

A great effort in the 79th minute by Yoreli hit the post. But then Orji, the goal scorer, missed a fantastic chance to put her side further ahead. What a miss!

Nigeria will meet Germany, the host nation which beat South Korea 5-1 in the Sunday final.