Stoppage-Time Agony! Colombia Send Falconets Out Of U-20 World Cup

Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Łódź, Poland.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Nigeria put up a determined performance but were denied a place in the semi-finals after Colombia found the decisive goal in stoppage time. The Falconets had started the encounter brightly and created some of the better opportunities during the opening half.

Janet Akekoromowei came close to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute when her long-range effort beat the Colombian defence, only for the goalkeeper to get a hand to the ball and push it onto the crossbar. Tumininu Adeshina also tested Colombia’s goalkeeper as Nigeria continued to search for an opening before the interval.

Colombia returned from the break with greater attacking intent, but Nigeria’s defence remained organised and kept the South Americans from finding a breakthrough.

The game took a major turn in the 78th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players. Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card following a challenge, with the decision confirmed after a VAR review.

Playing with a numerical advantage, Colombia increased the pressure as the Falconets were forced to defend in numbers. Nigeria appeared to be on course to hold out and take the contest into extra time, but Colombia struck at the crucial moment.

Valerin Loboa scored in the second minute of stoppage time to give Colombia a dramatic 1-0 victory and secure their place in the semi-finals. The result ended Nigeria’s campaign despite the Falconets’ strong response in the knockout stages, which had included an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.

Colombia’s victory also secured their return to the last four of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, while Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.