Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a late 1–0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
The match appeared destined for extra time after neither side could break the deadlock during regulation time. However, Colombia forward Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send her team into the semi-finals.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 77th minute, with the dismissal confirmed following a VAR review. Despite playing with 10 women, the Falconets continued to create chances but could not find the equaliser before the final whistle.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2014, when the Falconets advanced to the last four in Canada. FIFA had identified the quarter-final as another opportunity for Nigeria to return to the semi-final stage after 12 years.
The quarter-final developed into a tight contest, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
Nigeria threatened through several players, including Favour Nkwocha, Mafisere, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie. Tumininu Adeshina also came close with a long-range effort that forced Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a save.
Colombia also had opportunities, with Loboa and Isabella Diaz among those who tested Nigeria’s defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time. With Nigeria hoping to force extra time, Loboa found the decisive finish in the 92nd minute.
The late goal continued Colombia’s pattern of producing results in tight knockout matches. They had also needed a late moment to eliminate hosts Poland 1–0 in the round of 16, with an own goal deciding that contest in the 89th minute.
Mafisere’s dismissal proved significant as Nigeria had to negotiate the final stages with 10 players.
The Falconets nevertheless refused to sit back completely. Coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David, Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky at different points of the second half as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough.
Akekoromowei had another opportunity in the seventh minute of added time, but Nigeria could not turn it into an equaliser.
The final statistics therefore left Colombia celebrating a narrow victory while Nigeria’s campaign ended one round before the semi-finals.
Nigeria entered the knockout phase after recovering strongly from a difficult start to the tournament.
The Falconets lost their opening Group F match 2–0 to Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China. They then responded emphatically with a 10–1 victory over New Caledonia to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
They carried that momentum into the round of 16, producing a 3–0 victory over England.
The win over England featured goals from Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made important saves, including a penalty stop.
The run ultimately ended against Colombia, but the campaign included a notable recovery after Nigeria went winless in their first two group matches.
Colombia advance to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champions DPR Korea and Canada. FIFA’s schedule places the semi-finals in Łódź on September 23.
For Nigeria, the focus now turns to developing the players who represented the country in Poland and building toward future international competitions.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is being staged across Poland from September 5 to 27, with the final scheduled for Łódź. DPR Korea entered the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2024 edition in Colombia.
