Nigeria’s Falconets must forget their emphatic 3-0 victory over England and focus fully on Colombia if they are to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, coach Moses Aduku has warned.
The Falconets booked their place in the quarter-finals after sweeping aside England in Bielsko-Biała on Thursday, but Aduku said his players cannot afford to dwell on the impressive result when they face Colombia in Łódź on Sunday.
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“It will be unwise for us to keep thinking of the win over England. That match is gone, and we already cut short our celebration immediately after in the dressing room to focus on the encounter with Colombia,” Aduku told the media in Poland.
The coach acknowledged the quality of the Colombian side, who eliminated tournament hosts Poland 1-0 in their Round of 16 encounter.
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“The Colombians sent out the host nation and will not be a walk-in-the-park for us,” he said.
The Falconets will be seeking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2014, when Nigeria finished runners-up. They have twice reached the final of the competition but are yet to win the title.
Aduku said his players understand the significance of the opportunity before them but must match their ambition with discipline on the pitch.
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“We must put our best foot forward, contest every ball and go for victory. The girls realise that this is an extraordinary opportunity for them to write their names in gold in Nigerian football.”
Nigeria entered the quarter-final with confidence after Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored against England.
Mamudu has also been among the Falconets’ reliable scorers, having found the net against Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendlies.
Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma is expected to play another key role after producing a standout performance against England.
Uzoma made six important saves, including a penalty stop, during a difficult first half against the Young Lionesses to help Nigeria preserve their advantage.
The Falconets also have history on their side against Colombia at this level.
Nigeria defeated the South Americans 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition, with Ebere Orji scoring after just two minutes as the Falconets held on to reach their first final in a FIFA women’s football competition.
The current team, however, will need to produce another disciplined performance if they are to repeat that feat and move within two matches of a maiden U20 Women’s World Cup title.
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The team trained on Saturday in an upbeat mood, with the Nigeria Football Federation also settling outstanding daily allowances for players and officials.
NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme urged the team to maintain its focus as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
“You have sustained a great mentality in this tournament since the 0-0 draw with China in your second match,” Mr Ikpeme told the players.
“Tournaments naturally get tougher at the closing stages. However, tough teams get tougher when the going gets tough.”
He expressed confidence that the Falconets could overcome Colombia and continue their title challenge.
The quarter-final, therefore, presents Nigeria with both an immediate test and an opportunity to revive a tradition of deep runs at the competition.
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