Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a late goal gave Colombia a 1-0 victory in their quarterfinal clash Sunday in Łódź, Poland.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2014 and continued the team’s wait for a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
The Falconets dominated much of the first half but failed to convert their chances.
Janet Akekoromowei hit the crossbar in the 19th minute, while Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo also denied Tumininu Adeshina.
Nigeria continued to search for a breakthrough after halftime, but their task became harder in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off following a VAR review for a high challenge.
Colombia took advantage of the numerical advantage in the second minute of stoppage time when Valerin Loboa found the net to send her country into the semifinals.
The Falconets had reached the quarterfinals after an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.
Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored for Nigeria in that match, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved a penalty.
Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the competition, had been seeking a return to the semifinals after a 12-year absence.
The team last reached the final four in 2014.
The result means Colombia advances to the last four, while Nigeria’s campaign ends at the quarterfinal stage.
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