By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

Late Loboa Strike Breaks Falconets’ Hearts, Sends Colombia Into Semifinals

NIGERIA’S Falconets saw their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign end in painful fashion on Sunday after Colombia snatched a 1–0 quarter-final victory with a stoppage-time goal in Łódź, Poland.

The Nigerian youngsters had fought through a tense encounter and appeared to be heading for extra time. However, Valerin Loboa struck in the 92nd minute to send Colombia into the last four and end Nigeria’s hopes of another deep run at the tournament.

The defeat came despite a determined performance from the Falconets, who created several opportunities but could not find the decisive finish.

A Quarter-Final Decided at the Death

Neither side managed to break the deadlock during regulation time.

Nigeria created some of the better attacking moments, with Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, Tosin Rafiu, Favour Nkwocha and Onyedikachi Ekezie among those who threatened the Colombian defence.

Akekoromowei came particularly close when her effort struck the crossbar, while Tumininu Adeshina also forced a save from Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo.

Colombia remained dangerous, however, and continued to look for openings as the match moved into its final stages.

Then came the decisive moment.

With the game approaching extra time, Loboa found the breakthrough in the second minute of added time. Her strike settled a tightly contested encounter and condemned Nigeria to a narrow quarter-final exit.

Falconets Reduced to 10

Nigeria’s task became even more difficult when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 77th minute.

The referee initially showed the red card before VAR confirmed the decision, leaving the Falconets to finish the contest with 10 players.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria continued to push forward.

The Falconets still created opportunities late in the game and refused to simply retreat into a defensive shell. Their persistence, however, did not produce the equaliser needed to force extra time.

From Slow Start to Strong Knockout Run

Nigeria’s tournament journey had already contained significant twists.

The Falconets opened their Group F campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Spain and subsequently played out a goalless draw with China.

Their fortunes changed dramatically in the final group match when they overwhelmed New Caledonia 10–1 to reach the knockout stage.

Nigeria then produced one of their strongest performances of the competition in the Round of 16.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring against England after eight minutes before Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu added second-half goals in a convincing 3–0 victory. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma also played a major role, including saving an England penalty.

That result raised hopes of another run deep into the tournament.

Colombia Hold Firm

Colombia arrived in the quarter-finals after defeating hosts Poland 1–0 in the Round of 16.

The decisive goal came through a late own goal from Poland’s Martyna Bartczak, allowing the South Americans to advance into the last eight.

They then produced another disciplined knockout performance against Nigeria.

Although the Falconets generated attacking pressure, Colombia’s defence remained organised and Agudelo made important interventions when required.

The South Americans eventually found the single opening that mattered.

A Familiar World Cup Stage for Nigeria

Nigeria have long been one of the established teams at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Falconets have reached the latter stages on numerous occasions and twice finished as runners-up. They were also semi-finalists in 2012 and 2014.

The 2026 campaign offered another opportunity to advance towards the title.

That ambition ended in Łódź, however, when Colombia produced the late intervention that Nigeria could not answer.

Colombia Move On

The victory sent Colombia into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champions DPR Korea and Canada.

For Nigeria, the tournament ends with disappointment after a campaign that began unevenly but gathered momentum spectacularly in the knockout rounds.

The Falconets will leave Poland knowing they came within moments of extending their campaign.

Instead, one late Colombian attack changed everything.