Falconets Crash Out of FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup After Late Colombia Winner
Nigeria’s Falconets crashed out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after Colombia scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 quarter-final victory on Sunday.
Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of added time to send Colombia into the semi-finals and end Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the last four.
The Falconets had the better opportunity in a scrappy first half when Tumininu Adeshina unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from distance, but Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo produced an excellent save to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Colombia improved after the break and created two clear opportunities through Mariana Silva, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma stood firm to deny the Colombian forward on both occasions.
Nigeria’s task became even more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Masifere was shown a red card for a high challenge on Samantha Rodriguez.
Colombia pressed for the breakthrough with their numerical advantage and eventually found it deep into stoppage time.
Loboa reacted quickest after her initial effort was blocked by Uzoma, sliding in to convert the rebound and seal Colombia’s place in the semi-finals.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign at the quarter-final stage, while Colombia advanced with a hard-fought victory.
