U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria Crash Out After Late Colombia Goal

Nigeria’s Falconets have crashed out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a late goal gave Colombia a 1-0 quarter-final victory in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.

The two-time runners-up appeared set to force the match into extra time after holding Colombia scoreless for 90 minutes, but Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send the South Americans into the semi-finals.

Nigeria started brightly and created several opportunities during the contest, with Janet Akekoromowei, Tumininu Adeshina, Tosin Rafiu, Favour Nkwocha and Onyedikachi Ekezie all threatening the Colombian goal.

Akekoromowei came particularly close in the first half when her effort from the edge of the box struck the crossbar, while Adeshina also forced goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a save.

Colombia had opportunities of their own, with Loboa and Isabella Diaz among the players testing Nigeria’s defence, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.

The Falconets continued to push for an opening after the restart, but their hopes suffered a setback in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card following a high challenge. The decision was subsequently confirmed after a VAR review.

Reduced to 10 players, Nigeria defended resolutely and continued to look for opportunities on the counter as Colombia increased the pressure.

The match appeared destined for extra time until Loboa delivered the decisive moment. The Colombian forward found space in the area and fired past Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma in the 92nd minute.

Nigeria attempted to respond in the remaining minutes, but Colombia held firm to secure a place in the last four.

The defeat ends the Falconets’ hopes of reaching their first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2014 and leaves them still searching for the title.

Nigeria had reached the quarter-finals after an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16, with Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scoring in that encounter.

The Falconets have now reached the final of the tournament twice but remain without a championship trophy.

For Colombia, the victory extends their campaign and sets up a semi-final against the winner of the quarter-final between DPR Korea and Canada.