Today, the Falconets of Nigeria exited the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup after they fell 1-0 to Colombia in the quarterfinal.
A late, bundled goal by Colombia sent the Africans out of the tournament to avenge the loss the South Americans suffered in the semifinal of the same competition 16 years ago.
Nigeria controlled this contest, but failed to convert such dominance into goals.
They created the better chances, but were denied by a brilliant Colombian goalkeeper particularly in the first half.
The match then took a dramatic twist in the 77th minute, when midfielder Mafisere Kafayat was sent off for a dangerous foul that was confirmed by VAR.
But even with their numerical disadvantage, the Falconets continued to push forward and it was during such a time that Valerin Loboa sneaked through two defenders to bundle the ball into the net in stoppage time.
The Colombians also left it late to send packing Poland in the Round of 16 of the competition.
