Nigeria’s Falconets have exited the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after a late goal by Valerin Loboa gave Colombia a 1-0 victory in their quarter-final clash in Łódź on Sunday.
The Falconets created several opportunities but were unable to convert their chances, with both sides failing to break the deadlock in an action-packed first half.
Nigeria dominated set-pieces, earning several corners through Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere, while Janet Akekoromowei, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie also threatened the Colombian defence.
Akekoromowei came close in the 19th minute when her well-struck effort from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar.
Adeshina also tested Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th minute, but the goalkeeper tipped her effort over the bar.
The Falconets continued to show attacking intent but struggled to find the decisive touch in the final third.
The second half saw more physical exchanges, with Colombia’s Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegon receiving yellow cards, while Nigeria’s Rebecca Adegbemile was also booked.
Nigeria continued to press for the opening goal, forcing corners and testing Agudelo through Rafiu and Akekoromowei.
Colombia, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Loboa and Mariana Silva providing an attacking threat.
Falconets coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha as he sought to add fresh impetus to the attack.
Nigeria were reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Falconets continued to search for a breakthrough, but Colombia’s disciplined defending frustrated their efforts.
Colombia eventually settled the contest in the second minute of added time when Loboa latched onto a through ball.
Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma blocked Loboa’s initial effort, but the Colombian forward followed up to score from the rebound and send her team into the semi-finals.
NFF praises Falconets
NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the players for their performance, saying they had no reason to feel disgraced by the defeat.
“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,” he said.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim, also consoled the players and officials in the dressing room of the Stadion LKS Miejski.
“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,” she said.
