Nigeria’s Falconets were denied a place in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals after Colombia scored deep into stoppage time to claim a dramatic 1-0 quarter-final win on Sunday.
For much of the match, Nigeria appeared to have done enough to force extra time. That hope disappeared in the 92nd minute when Valerin Loboa found the breakthrough and sent Colombia into the last four.
The Falconets had already been battling with 10 players for the final stages of the game.
Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 77th minute after receiving a straight red card. The referee’s decision was reviewed by VAR and subsequently upheld.
Before going down to 10 players, Nigeria had produced several promising attacks.
Tosin Rafiu, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie all tested the Colombian defence with efforts on goal.
Colombia also had their moments. Loboa and Isabella Diaz created danger at the other end, but neither side could find the crucial finish during the first half.
The deadlock continued after the restart, with Nigeria remaining disciplined despite the increasing pressure.
Even after Mafisere’s dismissal, the Falconets managed to hold Colombia at bay for more than 10 minutes of normal time.
However, the resistance finally ended in stoppage time.
Loboa produced the moment that Nigeria had worked so hard to prevent, scoring in the second minute of added time to settle the contest.
The defeat brings Nigeria’s tournament journey to an end and denies the Falconets their first semi-final appearance since 2010.
Nigeria had booked their place in the quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.
Colombia, meanwhile, reached the last eight after eliminating tournament hosts Poland with a 1-0 victory.
The Falconets have twice reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup but have never lifted the trophy.
Once again, their pursuit of a maiden world title has ended before the final.
SHARE.
