U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria crash out after late Colombia goal

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Nigeria’s Falconets crashed 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.

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

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

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

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

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Despite playing with 10 players, Nigeria held Colombia until the 90th minute before Loboa found the decisive goal.

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

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The Falconets had entered the quarter-final after a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, while Colombia defeated hosts Poland 1-0 at the same stage.

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Nigeria have reached the final of the competition twice but are yet to win the title.n

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