Falconets Crash Out Of U-20 World Cup After Late Colombia Strike

Nigeria’s Falconets were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia in Łódź on Sunday.

Valerin Loboa scored in the second minute of added time to send Colombia into the semi-finals after goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma had initially saved her first attempt.

The Falconets created several opportunities during an intense encounter but were unable to convert their chances into goals.

Janet Akekoromowei came closest in the opening stages when her effort from the edge of the box struck the crossbar in the 19th minute.

Tumininu Adeshina also tested Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th minute, forcing her to tip a powerful effort over the crossbar.

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Nigeria continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere delivering several corners, while Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie also had opportunities.

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

Coach Moses Aduku attempted to strengthen the attack by introducing Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha.

However, Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Mafisere received a straight red card following a foul on Colombia’s Samantha Rodriguez.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Falconets continued to search for a breakthrough, while Colombia relied on counter-attacks led by Loboa and Mariana Silva.

Nigeria’s resistance finally ended deep into stoppage time when Loboa raced onto a through ball. Uzoma stopped her initial effort, but the Colombian forward reacted quickly to score from the rebound and secure a place in the last four.

Reacting after the match, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, commended the Falconets for their performance and urged the players not to be discouraged by the result.

“You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back,” Ikpeme said.

He added that the team created enough opportunities to win the encounter but were unable to take their chances.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim, also consoled the players and officials in the dressing room at the Stadion LKS Miejski.

Ohakim praised the team’s determination and said Nigerians in Poland were proud of their efforts despite the quarter-final defeat.