Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory with a stoppage-time winner in Sunday’s quarter-final in Łódź, Poland.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2014 and extended the Falconets’ wait for a maiden FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title. 

The game appeared destined for extra time after both teams failed to break the deadlock during the regulation 90 minutes, but Colombia delivered the decisive blow in the second minute of added time.

Valerin Loboa became Colombia’s heroine when she found the net in the 92nd minute, sending the South Americans into the semi-finals and ending Nigeria’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion. 

Nigeria’s task became even more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card. The decision was subsequently confirmed following a VAR review, leaving the Falconets to finish the contest with 10 players.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Moses Aduku’s side remained competitive and continued searching for the breakthrough.

The Falconets had created opportunities before Mafisere’s dismissal, with Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie among those attempting to threaten the Colombian goal. 

Colombia also had their moments, with Loboa and Isabella Diaz involved in attempts that tested Nigeria’s defence, but neither side could find the decisive touch during a goalless first half.

Nigeria entered the quarter-final on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, with Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu finding the net. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma also produced a crucial penalty save in that encounter. 

The Falconets had earlier endured a difficult group stage, losing 2-0 to Spain and drawing 0-0 with China before responding emphatically with a 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia to reach the knockout rounds.

Colombia, meanwhile, had reached the quarter-finals after eliminating hosts Poland 1-0 in their Round of 16 encounter through a late own goal. The South Americans maintained their record of reaching at least the last eight in every U-20 Women’s World Cup appearance. 

Nigeria had been chasing a return to the semi-finals 12 years after their last appearance at that stage in 2014. The Falconets have twice reached the tournament final but remain without the world title.

For Aduku and his young squad, the late elimination represents a painful end to a campaign that had gathered considerable momentum following their emphatic victories over New Caledonia and England.

Colombia will now continue their pursuit of the title in the semi-finals, while Nigeria must reflect on a tournament in which their strongest performances came during the knockout phase.