Nigeria’s Falconets ended their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup journey after Colombia scored a late goal to win 1-0 in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
The Falconets, who have been runners-up twice, looked ready to take the match into extra time. But Valerin Loboa scored in the second minute of stoppage time, sending Colombia to the semi-finals.
Nigeria faced a tough challenge when Kafayat Mafisere got a straight red card in the 77th minute. The Video Assistant Referee confirmed the decision.
Before the red card, the Falconets had many chances. Players like Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, and Onyedikachi Ekezie all tried to score.
Colombia also posed a threat, with Loboa and Isabella Diaz trying to find the net. But neither team could score before the break.
Even with 10 players, Nigeria held strong against Colombia until the 90th minute. That is when Loboa scored the winning goal.
This loss ends Nigeria’s dreams of reaching their first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2010.
The Falconets made it to the quarter-finals after beating England 3-0 in the Round of 16. Colombia also won their match against hosts Poland 1-0 at the same stage.
Nigeria has reached the final of this competition twice but has never won the title.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇