Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the match appeared set for extra time after neither side could break the deadlock during the regulation 90 minutes.
However, Colombia found the decisive goal in the second minute of stoppage time when Valerin Loboa fired past Nigeria’s defence to give her side a 1-0 victory.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off. The referee’s decision was subsequently confirmed by VAR, leaving the Falconets with 10 players for the closing stages.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria continued to search for a goal and created opportunities through Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie.
Akekoromowei also had a late attempt in the seventh minute of added time, but the Falconets could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. The Falconets had reached the quarter-finals after an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.
Colombia will now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either defending champions North Korea or Canada.
Nigeria coach Moses Aduku had earlier urged his players to remain focused after their victory over England.
