By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Falconets have crashed out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Colombia in the quarter-finals at Lodz, Poland.
The match remained goalless for much of the encounter before Colombia broke the deadlock late in the game through Valerin Loboa.
Nigeria were also reduced to 10 players after Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 78th minute, leaving the Falconets with a difficult task in the closing stages.
The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s campaign after a remarkable turnaround in the tournament.
The Falconets had opened their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China before exploding back into contention with a 10–1 victory over New Caledonia.
They then stunned England 3–0 in the Round of 16, with goals from Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu sending Moses Aduku’s side into the last eight.
The loss to Colombia means Nigeria will once again fall short of the semi-finals, having last reached that stage in 2014.
The Falconets remain two-time runners-up at the competition, finishing second in 2010 and 2014.
