NIGERIA CRASH OUT OF U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP AFTER LATE COLOMBIA GOAL

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory in their quarter-final clash on Sunday.

The two-time runners-up appeared set to take the match into extra time before Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of added time to send Colombia into the semi-finals.

Nigeria were reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute after Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card, with the decision subsequently confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee.

The Falconets had created several chances before the dismissal, with Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, and Onyedikachi Ekezie all attempting efforts on goal.

Colombia also threatened through Loboa and Isabella Diaz, but neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time.

Despite playing with 10 players, Nigeria held out until the 90th minute before Loboa produced the decisive strike.

The defeat ends the Falconets’ hopes of reaching their first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2010.

Nigeria had reached the quarter-finals after a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, while Colombia defeated hosts Poland 1-0 at the same stage.

The Falconets have reached the final of the competition twice but are yet to win the title.