Nigeria’s Falconets exit U20 Women’s World Cup after late Colombia defeat

Nigeria were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after Valerin Loboa’s stoppage-time goal gave Colombia a 1-0 quarter-final victory in ?odz on Sunday.

The Falconets created the clearer chances for much of the contest but were unable to find a finish before Colombia struck in the second minute of added time.

An entertaining first half produced several openings without either side breaking the deadlock. Nigeria threatened regularly from set-pieces, with Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere delivering a number of corners.

Janet Akekoromowei, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie all went close for the two-time runners-up. Akekoromowei, the Portugal-based forward, struck the crossbar with a well-placed effort from the edge of the penalty area in the 19th minute.

Nigeria’s pressure continued when Adeshina forced Luisa Agudelo into a fine save in the 38th minute, with the Colombia goalkeeper tipping the defender’s powerful attempt over the crossbar.

The Falconets showed greater attacking ambition after the interval but lacked the decisive touch in the final third. Colombia’s Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegon were booked, while Rebecca Adegbemile received a yellow card for Nigeria.

Coach Moses Aduku responded by sending on Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha as he sought to give Nigeria’s attack fresh impetus.

Rafiu and Akekoromowie continued to test Agudelo, while Colombia looked dangerous on the counter-attack through Loboa and Mariana Silva.

Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Falconets continued searching for a breakthrough, but Colombia defended with discipline and managed the closing stages effectively.

Loboa then ran on to a through ball in added time. Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma blocked her first attempt, but the Colombian forward reacted quickest to the rebound and finished to send her side into the semi-finals.

NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme praised Nigeria’s performance and told the players they had not been disgraced.

“You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.

“It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.”

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim Esq, also addressed the players and officials in the Stadion LKS Miejski dressing room.

“The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts.”