Nigeria’s campaign in the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup ended today 20 September 2026 in the quarter final stage.
The Falconets fell 0-1 to their Colombian opponents at the Stadion ŁKS in Lodz, Poland to exit the tournament.
The Nigerian women proved dominant on the ball in the encounter before Kafayat Mafisere bagged a red card in the 76th minute for a serious foul.
Going a woman down, allowed Colombia to step up their attacking forays in search of the decisive moment.
The South Americans broke the deadlock in added minutes of the second half after Valerin Loboa latched onto a through ball from midfield to put the Colombians ahead.
Her initial effort bounced off the onrushing Nigeria goalie Christiana Uzoma but the ball fell again into the path of Lobia who prodded home for the only goal of the match.
The Falconets threw numbers upfront to get back in the game, but the Colombians stood their ground to secure the much needed victory.
Colombia will now keep a date with either defending champions North Korea or Canada in the semis.
Nigeria are left to rue a hugely missed opportunity in a game they looked good to come out victorious.