Falconets Arrive Abuja After Narrow World Cup Defeat To Colombia

Nigeria’s Falconets have returned to Abuja following their quarter-final elimination from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The team arrived in the Nigerian capital on Monday night after their campaign came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the last eight.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, alongside members of the federation’s management, welcomed the players and officials upon their arrival.

The Falconets endured a difficult start to the tournament after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F fixture before settling for a goalless draw against China PR. However, the team responded strongly in their final group match, recording a remarkable 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to finish second in the group with four points and secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Moses Aduku’s side continued their impressive recovery in the Round of 16, defeating England 3-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals. Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage early in the second half. Mary Mamudu later completed the victory in the 73rd minute, while Akekoromowei was named Player of the Match after scoring once and providing an assist.

The victory set up a quarter-final clash with Colombia, where the Falconets came close to taking the lead after Akekoromowei struck the crossbar with a first-half effort.

Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 78th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card, leaving the Falconets with 10 players.

Despite being a player down, Nigeria remained competitive and appeared to be heading towards extra time before Colombia delivered a late blow in stoppage time. Valerin Loboa scored from the rebound after Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma had saved her initial effort, securing a 1-0 victory for Colombia and ending the Falconets’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Despite the disappointment, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team finished as Africa’s last remaining representatives in the competition and reached the quarter-finals after overcoming a difficult group-stage campaign and producing a strong knockout-stage performance.