Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering 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 for 90 minutes.
However, Valerin Loboa scored in the second minute of added time to secure Colombia’s place in the semi-finals and end Nigeria’s campaign.
The defeat also means Nigeria will have to wait longer for another appearance in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals, having last reached the last four in 2010.
Falconets reduced to 10 players
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card.
The dismissal was subsequently confirmed following a Video Assistant Referee review, leaving the Falconets to play the closing stages of the match with 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria defended strongly and managed to keep Colombia at bay until the final moments.
Loboa eventually broke the deadlock in stoppage time, scoring the decisive goal that sent Colombia through.
Nigeria created chances
The Falconets had opportunities to take control of the quarter-final before Mafisere’s dismissal.Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie all attempted to find the breakthrough for Nigeria.
Colombia also threatened through Loboa and Isabella Diaz, but neither team could find the back of the net before the interval.Nigeria continued to resist after going down to 10 players, but Loboa’s late strike finally settled the contest.
Falconets’ World Cup campaign ends
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals after recording an impressive 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.Colombia, meanwhile, booked its quarter-final place after defeating tournament hosts Poland 1-0.
The Falconets have twice reached the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final but have yet to win the tournament.Their latest defeat means Nigeria’s wait for a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title continues.
