Flamingos’ coaches watch video of Colombia ahead semifinal clash

Flamingos celebrating their quarterfinal victory over U.S… on Friday

• South Americans seek vengeance against Nigeria

As part of their strategies to beat Colombia in Wednesday’s semifinal clash in the ongoing India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup, coaches of the Flamingos have started studying videos of matches played by the South Americans.

Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, an assistant coach of the Flamingos, Adanna Nwaneri, said: “We are getting the strategies for our own team, and secondly, we are watching the videos of our opponent to know their strength, key players and their weak sides.”

The South America’s runners-up, Colombia, on Saturday beat a depleted Tanzania at the quarterfinals to earn the clash with Nigeria in the semifinals. Wednesday’s clash will be the third time both teams will meet as Nigeria had twice beaten Colombia in 2012 and 2014.

In 2012 at the tournament held in Azerbaijan, Nigeria beat Colombia 3-0  in a Group A match played in Baku with Halimatu Ayinde scoring in the 32nd and 75th minutes, while an own-goal by a Colombia’s Diana Duarte in the 80th minute completed the Nigerian victory.

They met again at Costa Rica 2014 in a Group D match played at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, with the Flamingos coming from behind to win 2-1. Angie Rodriguez shot Colombia ahead in the third minute before Joy Bokiri levelled up for Nigeria in the 26th minute and Uchenna kanu scored the winner in the 59th minute.

The Colombians are seeking vengeance in Wednesday’s match against the Flamingos in India.

For Coach Adanna Nwaneri, an ex-Super Falcons defender, who was part of the then conquering Delta Queens FC of Asaba, a victory for Nigeria in the semifinal clash is not negotiable.

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