Match Report
Nigeria 0-1 Colombia: Falconets Exit FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup After Late Quarter-Final Blow
Falconets have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia
September 20, 2026
20d agoNigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in a dramatic quarter-final encounter in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
The Falconets looked set to take the contest into extra time after neither side could find a breakthrough during the 90 minutes.
However, Colombia struck in the second minute of stoppage time through Valerin Loboa to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria started brightly and created several opportunities throughout the match. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei came close in the first half when her effort from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar, while Tumininu Adeshina also forced a strong save from Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo.
The Falconets continued to search for the opener after the interval, with Tosin Rafiu, Favour Nkwocha, Onyedikachi Ekezie and Akekoromowei among those threatening the Colombian defence.
The game took a major turn in the 77th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players. Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card following a challenge on Samantha Rodriguez, with the decision subsequently confirmed by VAR.
Despite being a player down, Nigeria continued to defend resolutely and even pushed forward in search of a late winner.
But Colombia finally broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute. Loboa raced onto a through ball and saw her first effort blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma before reacting quickly to finish the rebound and send Colombia through.
The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s campaign in Poland at the quarter-final stage. The Falconets had reached the last eight after an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, following a 10-1 win over New Caledonia in their final group-stage match.
Nigeria were seeking their first semi-final appearance since 2014 and remain two-time runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Their pursuit of a maiden world title will now continue at a future edition.
Colombia, meanwhile, advance to the semi-finals after surviving a tense battle against the Falconets.
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#falconets#colombia#2026-fifa-u-20-women’s-world-cup#tipngoal
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