FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets bow out after narrow loss to Colombia

Nigeria left the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland on Sunday with their heads held high despite an injury-time goal from Valerin Loboa that gave Colombia victory and ended the Falconets’ credible efforts during the quarter-final encounter in Łódź.

In an action-packed first half, both teams struggled to find a breakthrough despite creating half-chances. The Falconets, who dominated set pieces with several corners from Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere, came close thanks to the efforts of Janet Akekoromowei, Favor Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie, but the Colombian defense held firm.

Portuguese striker Akekoromowie rattled the crossbar with a precise shot from the edge of the area in the 19th minute, and defender Tumininu Adeshina saw her fantastic shot deflected over the bar by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th minute.

Nigeria showed more attacking intent throughout but lacked a clinical edge in the final third. The second half was marked by physical battles and disciplinary actions, with cautions for Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegón of Colombia, as well as Rebecca Adegbemile of Nigeria. The two-time runners-up continued to push to score the first goal, forcing corners and testing the Colombian goalkeeper through Rafiu and Akekoromowei, while Colombia threatened on the counter through Valerin Loboa and Mariana Silva.

Trainer Moses Aduku introduced winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favor Nkwocha to inject new energy into the attack. The match changed dramatically in the 77th minute, when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players after Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. Colombia’s disciplined defense and game management thwarted numerous efforts by the Falconets to find a breakthrough.

Loboa took advantage of a through ball in the second minute of added time and, despite goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma blocking her first attempt, she advanced and slotted the ball in on the rebound to send the South Americans into the semifinals.

The Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, commended the girls for their energy and vitality, saying they were not disgraced. “You gave it your best and the NFF and all the Nigerians watching saw that you didn’t hold anything back. You didn’t take the Colombians for granted and you certainly didn’t play with any kind of complex.

“It’s a match you could have easily won if you had been able to take advantage of some of the numerous opportunities you created, but that’s sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.”

For her part, Nigeria’s ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim Esq, offered reassuring words to the despondent players and officials in the locker room of the LKS Miejski stadium.

“The result was unfortunate because you played with all your heart. Everyone who watched the match can testify to your determination and desire to reach the semi-finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts.”