FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Pay for Missed Chances as Late Colombia Strike Ends Quarter-Final Run

Posted : 21 September 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets saw their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after Valerin Loboa struck in stoppage time to give Colombia a 1-0 quarter-final victory in Łódź, Poland.

The Falconets created enough opportunities to trouble the South Americans but were unable to convert their promising moments before Colombia capitalised late to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Nigeria started brightly and looked the more threatening side during spells of the opening half, particularly from set pieces.

Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere repeatedly supplied dangerous corners, while Janet Akekoromowei, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie all threatened the Colombian defence.

Akekoromowei came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute when the Portugal-based forward struck the crossbar with a well-directed effort from the edge of the box.

Adeshina also tested Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th minute, forcing the goalkeeper into an excellent save to tip her effort over the bar.

The second half became increasingly physical, with Colombia’s Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegon and Nigeria’s Rebecca Adegbemile receiving yellow cards.

Nigeria continued to press for an opener, with Rafiu and Akekoromowei among those testing Agudelo, while Colombia looked to exploit spaces on the counter through Loboa and Mariana Silva.

Falconets coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Nkwocha as he sought greater attacking impetus.

The game, however, took a significant turn in the 77th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players.

Mafisere received a straight red card following a foul on Samantha Rodriguez, leaving the Falconets to negotiate the closing stages with a numerical disadvantage.

Colombia subsequently became more difficult to break down, maintaining their defensive discipline while Nigeria continued to search for a winning opening despite being a player short.

The decisive moment arrived in the second minute of added time.

Loboa raced onto a through ball and saw her initial effort blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma, but the Colombian forward reacted quickly to the rebound and fired the ball into the net.

The late strike ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals and sent Colombia through to the last four.

Despite the painful defeat, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Falconets for their effort and fearless approach throughout the encounter.

“You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted, and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.

“It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result,” Ikpeme said.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim, also visited the team in the dressing room at Stadion LKS Miejski, offering words of encouragement to the players and officials.

“The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi-finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts,” she said.

The Falconets’ quarter-final exit brought their World Cup campaign to a close, but their determined performance against Colombia underlined the narrow margins that decided the contest in Łódź.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Pay for Missed Chances as Late Colombia Strike Ends Quarter-Final Run

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics