Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after conceding a late goal in a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia on Sunday.
The Falconets looked set to force the encounter into extra time after holding Colombia goalless through 90 minutes, but Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send the South Americans into the semi-finals.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card following a VAR review.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Falconets defended resolutely and kept Colombia at bay until the dying moments of the match.
Before the dismissal, Nigeria had created several opportunities, with Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie all coming close to breaking the deadlock.
Colombia also threatened through Loboa and Isabella Diaz, but neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval.
Nigeria’s resistance finally ended in the 92nd minute when Loboa converted Colombia’s decisive opportunity to seal a place in the last four.
The defeat ends the Falconets’ hopes of reaching their first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2010.
Nigeria had booked their quarter-final spot with an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, while Colombia edged hosts Poland 1-0 to reach the same stage.
The Falconets have finished as runners-up at the tournament twice but remain in search of their first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
