Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after losing 1-0 to Colombia in their quarter-final match in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals and continuing their search for a first-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
The Falconets started the game strongly and controlled much of the first half. Nigeria had 64 per cent possession and created seven attempts, with two on target, but they could not find the breakthrough.
Janet Akekoromowei remained a threat after the break, but her three attempts failed to beat the Colombian goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s task became harder in the 74th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a red card following a tackle, leaving the Falconets with 10 players.
Colombia took advantage of the numerical advantage and began to create more opportunities as the game moved towards the final minutes.
Just when the match looked set to go into extra time, Colombia scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute.
Valerin Loboa received a through pass from midfield before sending a low shot past Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma to give Colombia a 1-0 lead.
The Falconets had little time to respond, and the match ended 1-0.
Nigeria had entered the quarter-final with confidence after a 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16, but their World Cup journey has now come to an end.
