By Ado Salisu
Nigeria’s Falconets bowed out of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Sunday after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Łódź.
Valerin Loboa scored in stoppage time to send Colombia into the semi-finals after Nigeria had dominated large spells of the encounter but failed to convert their chances.
Both teams struggled to break the deadlock in an action-packed first half, with the Falconets creating several opportunities from open play and set pieces.
Nigeria came close in the 19th minute when Portugal-based forward Janet Akekoromowei struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.
Defender Tumininu Adeshina also forced Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a fine save in the 38th minute, with the goalkeeper tipping her effort over the bar.
The Falconets continued to threaten through Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie, while Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere delivered a series of dangerous corners.
Nigeria maintained the attacking initiative after the break but struggled to find the finishing touch in the final third.
The game became increasingly physical, with Colombia’s Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegon receiving yellow cards, while Nigeria’s Rebecca Adegbemile was also booked.
Coach Moses Aduku responded by introducing Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Nkwocha as he sought to add more pace to the attack.
However, Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez, leaving the Falconets with 10 players.
Colombia took advantage of the numerical advantage in the second minute of added time.
Loboa latched onto a through ball and saw her first effort blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma, but she reacted quickly to the rebound and fired the ball into the net to secure Colombia’s place in the last four.
Despite the defeat, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Falconets for their performance.
“You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex,” Ikpeme said.
“It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.”
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim, also consoled the players and officials in the dressing room at Stadion ŁKS Miejski.
“The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi-finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts,” she said.
