Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
The closely contested encounter at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, Poland, appeared destined for extra time before Colombia struck late to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 78th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off, leaving the Falconets with 10 players for the closing stages.
Colombia took advantage of the numerical superiority as Valerin Loboa scored the decisive goal late in the game, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the last four.
The defeat brings the Falconets’ campaign to an end after an impressive turnaround in the tournament.
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Nigeria had struggled in their opening two group matches before recording a historic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to reach the knockout stages. They then produced a commanding 3-0 win over England in the Round of 16, with Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu finding the net.
The Falconets had been seeking their first semi-final appearance since 2014, but Colombia’s late strike denied them the opportunity.
Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now exit the competition at the quarter-final stage.