Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a dramatic 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia in Łódź, Trybal News reports.
The Falconets dominated large portions of the encounter and created the better chances, but their inability to convert their opportunities ultimately proved costly. Colombia struck in the second minute of stoppage time through Valerin Loboa to book their place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria started brightly and controlled much of the first half, registering seven attempts to Colombia’s two. Janet Akekoromowei came closest to breaking the deadlock when her effort struck the crossbar, while Tumininu Adeshina also tested Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo.
Rebecca Adegbemile was booked as Nigeria continued to press, but neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval.
The Falconets maintained their attacking pressure after the restart and remained the more threatening team. However, Colombia’s defence continued to withstand the Nigerian attacks.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a red card following a VAR review, reducing the Falconets to 10 players for the closing stages.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Nigeria continued to push for a winner and created further opportunities.
The statistics reflected their dominance. The Falconets finished the match with 14 attempts, compared with just five for Colombia, but were unable to find the decisive finish.
Then, with extra time seemingly approaching, Colombia delivered the decisive blow.
Loboa struck in the 90+2nd minute, sending Colombia into the semi-finals and ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 2014.
The defeat brings an end to a campaign that had gathered considerable momentum in the knockout stages.
After opening the tournament with a defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China, Nigeria responded emphatically with a 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia.
The Falconets then produced one of their standout performances of the tournament, defeating England 3-0 in the Round of 16. Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made important contributions to preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.
Against Colombia, however, Nigeria’s dominance failed to translate into goals, and the late dismissal and stoppage-time strike ultimately ended their journey.
For the Falconets, it was a painful conclusion to a campaign that had promised a return to the semi-finals but instead ended with Colombia celebrating a place in the final four.
