Nigeria’s Falconets have crashed out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia on Sunday.
The encounter at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, Poland, ended Nigeria’s push for a third final appearance at the tournament.
Valerin Loboa struck late to seal victory for the South Americans in a tense clash where Nigeria finished with 10 players following the sending off of Kafayat Mafisere in the 78th minute.
The Falconets had gone into the game in fine form after back-to-back wins, including an emphatic 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16. Colombia also arrived with momentum after edging hosts Poland 1-0 in the last round.
Head coach Moses Aduku stuck with his preferred 3-4-3 setup, retaining captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, with wingers Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu leading the attack. Carlos Paniagua’s side responded with a compact 5-4-1 formation built around captain Juana Ortegon.
The first half ended in a tactical deadlock, with Nigeria probing through the flanks but unable to break down Colombia’s disciplined defence.
Colombia’s win books them a place in the semi-finals where they will face the winner between North Korea and Canada, while Nigeria’s journey in Poland ends at the quarter-final stage.
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