Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia secured a 1–0 victory with a stoppage-time goal in their quarter-final clash on Sunday.
The match at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź appeared to be heading into extra time after neither side managed to break the deadlock during the regulation 90 minutes. However, Colombia found the decisive moment in the second minute of added time when Valerin Loboa scored to send her team into the semi-finals.
Nigeria had created opportunities during the contest, with Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie among those attempting to open the scoring.
One of the Falconets’ best opportunities came when defender Tumininu Adeshina unleashed a long-range effort that appeared destined for the net, only for Colombia goalkeeper Louisa Agudelo to make the save.
The game took another difficult turn for Nigeria in the 77th minute when Mafisere was sent off. The red card was subsequently confirmed following a VAR review, leaving the Falconets to finish the contest with 10 players.
Despite being a player down, Nigeria continued to push for a breakthrough. Akekoromowei also had an opportunity deep into stoppage time, but the Falconets were unable to find an equaliser after Loboa’s late strike.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign at the quarter-final stage, denying the two-time runners-up an opportunity to return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2014.
The Falconets had reached the last eight after an emphatic 3–0 victory over England in the round of 16. Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored in that match, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved a penalty as Nigeria advanced.
Nigeria had earlier lost 2–0 to Spain, drawn 0–0 with China and then produced a 10–1 victory over New Caledonia to progress from the group stage.
Colombia will now advance to the semi-finals, while Nigeria’s quest for a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title comes to an end in the last eight.