Gallant Falconets Bow out of U20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria departed the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland yesterday with heads held high despite a stoppage-time goal by Valerin Loboa that handed 1-0 victory to Colombia, and made short work of the credible efforts of the Falconets throughout the quarter-final encounter in Łódź.

In an action-packed first half, both sides struggled to find the breakthrough despite creating half-chances. The Falconets, who dominated set-pieces with several corners from Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere, came close through efforts from Janet Akekoromowei, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie, but the Colombian defence held firm.

Portugal-based forward Akekoromowie rocked the crossbar with a precise shot from the edge of the box in the 19th minute, and defender Tumininu Adeshina saw her terrific shot tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th minute.

Nigeria showed more attacking intent throughout but lacked the clinical edge in the final third. The second half was marked by physical battles and disciplinary actions, with bookings for Sintia Cabezas and Juana Ortegon of Colombia, as well as Rebecca Adegbemile for Nigeria. The two-time runners-up continued to push for the opener, forcing corners and testing the Colombian goalkeeper through Rafiu and Akekoromowei, while Colombia threatened on the counter through Valerin Loboa and Mariana Silva.

Coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha to inject fresh energy into the attack. The game turned dramatically in the 77th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players after Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. Colombia’s disciplined defending and game management frustrated numerous efforts by the Falconets to find a breakthrough.

Loboa latched onto a through ball in the second minute of added time, and despite goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma blocking her first effort, she pushed ahead and tucked in the ball on the rebound to send the South Americans through to the last four.

NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme praised the girls for their energy and vibrancy, saying they were not disgraced. “You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.

“It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.”

On her part, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Her Excellency Chioma Ohakim Esq provided soothing words to the downcast players and officials in the dressing room of the Stadion LKS Miejski.

“The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts.”