Nigeria’s Falconets crashed out of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at the quarter-final stage on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Colombia.
A late stoppage-time goal at Stadion Miejski in Łódź ensured that Colombia eliminated Nigeria from the competition.
Nigeria’s tournament began unpromisingly, with a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their Group F opener, followed by a frustrating goalless draw against China.
Heading into their final group match, the Falconets needed a result to keep their hopes alive.
They thrashed New Caledonia 10-1, a result that secured their place in the knockout rounds of the competition and announced Nigeria as a side capable of ruthless finishing.
The Falconets carried the momentum into the Round of 16, where they produced a commanding 3-0 victory over England.
Three goals from Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu gave Moses Aduku’s side victory over England, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved a crucial first-half penalty.
Against Colombia, Nigeria was the better team for much of the match.
The Falconets created more dangerous chances, with Akekoromowei hitting the crossbar in the 19th minute and Adeshina forcing Colombian goalkeeper, Luisa Agudelo into an excellent save just before half-time.
The match turned in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a foul on Colombia’s Samantha Rodriguez.
Reduced to 10 players, Nigeria continued to press, but Colombia began to find space on the counter.
The breakthrough came in the second minute of stoppage time. Valerin Loboa latched onto a through ball and saw her first attempt blocked by Uzoma, but she was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to send Colombia into the semi-finals.
Speaking with Yotomi Media about what went wrong for the Falconets as they crashed out of the competition, Eagle Stars FC coach, Isma’il Musa noted that Moses Aduku’s side failed to take their chances against Colombia.
“For me, the major issue with the Falconets was their inability to convert the chances they created.
They played with determination, but football is about taking your chances, and Colombia punished Nigeria late in the game. The red card also made the final stages more difficult,” Musa said.
With Nigeria’s exit confirmed, the tournament moves towards its climax, with four teams — Spain, Italy, Colombia and North Korea — set to battle for a place in the final.
Published By: Ajayi Temitope Yetunde.
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