Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored in the 92nd minute to secure a 1-0 quarter-final victory in ?odz on Sunday.
The match appeared destined for extra time after 90 minutes of a fiercely contested encounter in which neither side could create a decisive advantage. But Colombia struck deep into stoppage time to end Nigeria’s impressive tournament run.
Valerin Loboa was quickest to react after her first attempt was blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma. The forward followed up from close range and bundled the rebound over the line, sending Colombia through to the semi-finals.
Nigeria kept Colombia at bay
The first half was marked by determination and physical battles rather than clear-cut chances.
Nigeria and Colombia competed for possession across the pitch, but neither team established enough control to consistently threaten in the final third.
Nigeria’s best opportunity before the break came from defender Tumininu Adeshina. She advanced from defence before striking a powerful left-footed effort from distance.
The shot looked set to find the top corner, but Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo reacted quickly to tip it over the crossbar. It proved to be the Falconets’ closest attempt to breaking the deadlock before half-time.
Colombia improved after the interval and began to find more space around Nigeria’s defence. Mariana Silva, wearing the number 10 shirt, twice went through on goal, but Uzoma made important saves on both occasions.
The Nigerian goalkeeper’s interventions kept her side level as Colombia increased the pressure.
Nigeria’s challenge became even greater with 13 minutes of normal time remaining, when Kafiyat Masifere was sent off for a high challenge on Samantha Rodriguez.
With a one-player advantage, Colombia pushed forward in search of the winning goal, while Nigeria defended with increasing urgency.
Loboa delivers Colombia’s breakthrough
The decisive moment came in the second minute of added time.
Loboa slid in to meet the loose ball after her initial effort had been stopped by Uzoma and rebounded towards goal. She reacted first and forced it across the line to put Colombia ahead.
Nigeria had no time to respond before the final whistle confirmed the 1-0 result and ended the Falconets’ hopes of winning the tournament.
Loboa was named the Visa Player of the Match. She said Colombia had continued to believe they would eventually find the goal.
The result also moved Colombia, coached by Carlos Paniagua, closer to a potential place in the World Cup final.
Despite the disappointment, Nigeria coach Moses Aduku said the tournament had offered a valuable glimpse of the country’s next generation.
The Falconets recovered from a difficult start with a spectacular 10-1 victory over New Caledonia, then reached the knockout rounds and took Colombia to the final seconds of their quarter-final.
They leave Poland without the trophy, but with experience and exposure gained from competing on the biggest stage.