FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets  crash out after late Colombia goal

Nigeria Under 20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been eliminated from the  2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 0-1 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final encounter at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium on Sunday in Łódź, Poland.
The Nigerian side dominated possession for large spells of the encounter but failed to convert its opportunities before Colombia scored in added time to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Falconets controlled 58 per cent of possession against Colombia’s 42 per cent and recorded 14 shots to their opponents’ five.
However, the West Africans numerical disadvantage following the dismissal of Kafayat Mafisere in the 76th minute proved costly.
Mafisere, was shown a straight red card for a serious foul, leaving Nigeria with 10 players for the closing stages of the encounter.
Colombia subsequently increased the pressure in search of a decisive goal.
The South Americans finally broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time when Valerin Loboa latched onto a through ball from midfield.
Her initial effort was blocked by the advancing Nigerian goalkeeper, Christiana Uzoma, but Loboa reacted quickly to the rebound and prodded the ball into the net for the only goal of the match.
The Falconets pushed forward in search of an equaliser but Colombia held firm to secure the victory.
Nigeria committed 18 fouls to Colombia’s 12, with both sides receiving two yellow cards.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign in spite of  an impressive run in the knockout stages, which included a 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.
The Falconets had earlier defeated New Caledonia 10-1, drawn 0-0 with China and lost 0-2 to Spain in the group stage.
Colombia, meanwhile, defeated hosts Poland 1-0 in the round  of 16 after recording a 0-0 draw with Portugal, a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica and a 0-3 defeat to defending champions North Korea in the group stage.
Colombia, popularly known as the “PowerPuff Girls”, have now reached the semi-finals for the first time after making four previous appearances at the tournament.
The Colombians had previously exited at the quarter-final stage in 2022 and 2024.
Colombia will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champions North Korea and Canada in the semi-final.
The other semi-final will see Spain face Italy.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup commenced on September 5 and to end on September 27 in Poland