U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria crash out after late Colombia goal

The Nigerian girls' football team, known as the Falconets, were eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored a late goal, winning the match 1-0. The two-time previous finalists appeared to be on the verge of advancing to the semi-finals when Colombia's Valerin Loboa scored in the second minute of added time.

Nigeria had been reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute following a red card to Kafayat Mafisere, a decision confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee. Despite creating several scoring opportunities before the dismissal, including efforts from Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, and Onyedikachi Ekezie, Nigeria could not overcome the setback.

Colombia also posed a threat, with Loboa and Isabella Diaz coming close, but neither side managed to score before halftime. Despite playing with 10 players, Nigeria held on until the 90th minute before Loboa secured the winning goal. This defeat marks Nigeria's end of their bid to reach their first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2010.

The team had advanced to the quarter-finals after a 3-0 win over England in the Round of 16, while Colombia had defeated the host nation Poland 1-0 at the same stage. Nigeria has reached the final twice but has yet to secure the title.