Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Valerin Loboa scored in the 92nd minute, converting a rebound after her first effort was saved by Falconets goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma.
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The Falconets had dominated possession in the early stages and created several chances through Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie.
Colombia’s goalkeeper, Luisa Agudelo, however, kept her side in the game with several important saves.
She produced one of the best moments of the match when she tipped over a powerful long-range effort from Tumininu Adeshina.
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The Falconets were reduced to 10 players in the 76th minute when Mafisere was shown a straight red card.
Despite being a player down, Nigeria continued to push forward and created late chances but failed to find the equaliser.
With seconds remaining, the Falconets won a free kick close to Colombia’s 18-yard box, but Akekoromowei’s effort sailed over the bar.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign at the quarter-final stage, while Colombia advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2010.
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It is also Colombia’s second successive 1-0 knockout victory, having eliminated hosts Poland by the same scoreline in the round of 16.
Radio Nigeria