Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia in Łódź, Poland.
The Nigerian side were denied a place in the semi-finals after Colombia struck in stoppage time through Valerin Loboa, ending the Falconets’ hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 2014.
The match remained goalless for much of the encounter, with both teams battling for control as the quarter-final produced few openings.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult after Kafayat Mafisere was sent off, leaving the Falconets to finish the match with 10 players.
Colombia capitalised on their numerical advantage late in the game, with Loboa finding the decisive goal in stoppage time to send the South Americans into the semi-finals.
The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s campaign despite an impressive run in the knockout stages.
The Falconets had reached the quarter-finals after producing one of their best performances of the tournament, defeating England 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target as Nigeria secured a convincing victory.
Nigeria had also recorded a remarkable 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in the group stage to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
The Falconets were hoping to reproduce their historic run to the semi-finals, a stage they last reached in 2014.
The result will be particularly painful for Nigeria, who had entered the quarter-final with renewed confidence following their emphatic victory over England.
