Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Valerin Loboa found the net in the 92nd minute to send Colombia into the semi-finals and end Nigeria’s campaign.
The Falconets had been hoping to reach the last four for the first time since 2014 after securing an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.
Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored for Nigeria in that encounter, while goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced a standout display, including a penalty save.
Nigeria’s defeat to Colombia also ended their hopes of finally winning the U-20 Women’s World Cup title. The Falconets had previously reached the final twice but were yet to lift the trophy.
The loss was also a reversal of Nigeria’s previous meeting with Colombia at the competition. The Falconets defeated the South Americans 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition in Germany, with Ebere Orji scoring after just two minutes.
Colombia entered Sunday’s quarter-final after eliminating tournament hosts Poland 1-0 in the round of 16.
The result means Colombia advance to the semi-finals, while Nigeria’s pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title comes to an end in Poland.
