Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku has urged Nigerians to look beyond the disappointment of Nigeria’s quarter-final elimination from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, insisting the tournament has provided valuable experience for a promising generation of players.

Nigeria’s campaign ended in painful fashion in Łódź, Poland, after Colombia secured a 1-0 victory with a stoppage-time goal from Valerin Loboa to book their place in the semi-finals. 

The Falconets had produced an impressive response after a difficult start to the competition, progressing from the group stage before defeating England 3-0 in the Round of 16.

Against Colombia, Nigeria created opportunities but were unable to find the decisive finish. Janet Akekoromowei struck the crossbar in the 19th minute, while Tumininu Adeshina also forced a save from Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo. 

Nigeria’s task became more difficult when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 77th minute, leaving the Falconets with 10 players for the closing stages.

Colombia eventually broke Nigeria’s resistance in the second minute of added time when Loboa converted a through ball to settle a tightly contested encounter and end the Falconets’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals. 

Despite the result, Aduku chose to emphasise the developmental value of Nigeria’s participation in the tournament and the opportunities it provided for the young players.

“I think, first and foremost, this tournament is good for the young players. It gives them the ability to grow and reach the next level,” Aduku said.

The Nigerian coach also expressed confidence in the quality of the emerging generation, stressing that the experience gained in Poland could contribute significantly to their future careers.

“I think, in Nigeria, we have seen the future of our players. And I think the future is very bright.”

Nigeria’s quarter-final appearance ended their hopes of returning to the last four for the first time since 2014, when the Falconets reached the final and finished as runners-up.

The team’s progress was particularly notable given their opening results in Poland. Nigeria began with a 2-0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China before responding emphatically with a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia. 

That resurgence continued in the knockout stage as Aduku’s side produced one of their strongest performances of the tournament to eliminate England 3-0 and reach the quarter-finals. 

For Colombia, the victory extended their campaign and secured a place in the semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the U-20 Women’s World Cup final.

The South Americans had earlier eliminated tournament hosts Poland 1-0 in the Round of 16 before overcoming Nigeria in the last eight. 

While the Falconets have now exited the competition, Aduku believes the exposure gained by the players against some of the world’s leading youth teams can serve as a foundation for their development.