Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 quarter-final victory in Łódź.
Moses Aduku’s side defended bravely after being reduced to 10 players late in the second half, but Valerin Loboa’s 92nd-minute strike ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
The Falconets had looked the more threatening side during the opening 45 minutes and came close to taking the lead when Janet Akekoromowei’s long-range effort was tipped onto the crossbar in the 19th minute.
Falconets reduced to 10 players
Nigeria continued to create opportunities before the break, with Tumininu Adeshina forcing Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a save as both teams went into half-time level.
Colombia returned from the interval with stronger and came close to breaking the deadlock shortly after the restart, but Nigeria’s defence held off the threat.
The game changed in the 78th minute when the Falconets were reduced to 10 players.
Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card following a dangerous challenge while attempting to win the ball, with the decision confirmed after a VAR review.
Colombia strike at the death
With a numerical advantage, Colombia increased the pressure as Nigeria were forced into defensive duties, hoping to force the contest into extra time.
The Falconets appeared to have done enough to survive the late pressure, but Colombia finally found a breakthrough two minutes into stoppage time.
Loboa found the back of the net to give Colombia a dramatic 1-0 victory and send the South Americans into the semi-finals.
The defeat brings Nigeria’s campaign to an end despite a strong showing with 10 players.
Colombia, meanwhile, reached the last four of the U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2010 and will face either North Korea or Canada for a place in the final.
