The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has backed Falconets for holding their heads high after a late 1-0 defeat to Colombia ended their campaign at the quarter-final stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Emmanuel Ikpeme, Acting General Secretary of the NFF, praised the team’s energy, determination and commitment despite the disappointing result, urging the players not to be discouraged by their elimination.
Ikpeme said the Falconets gave their all against Colombia and deserved credit for creating several opportunities despite failing to convert them.
“You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.
“It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result,” he said.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Chioma Ohakim, also encouraged the players and officials in the dressing room of Stadion LKS Miejski in Łódź, expressing pride in their performance.
“The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi-finals. “Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts,” she said.
The Falconets had dominated large spells of the quarter-final but were unable to make their chances count. Nigeria recorded 58 per cent possession and 14 shots compared with Colombia’s 42 per cent possession and five attempts.
Nigeria created several openings in the first half, with Tumininu Adeshina and Kafayat Mafisere threatening from set pieces.
Janet Akekoromowei, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Onyedikachi Ekezie also came close, while Akekoromowei struck the crossbar from the edge of the box in the 19th minute.
Adeshina later forced Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a save in the 38th minute as the teams went into the interval without a goal.
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The Falconets maintained their attacking intent after the restart but struggled to find the clinical finish needed to break the deadlock.
Their task became more difficult in the 76th minute when Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez, leaving Nigeria with 10 players.
Coach Moses Aduku responded by introducing Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Nkwocha as Nigeria sought to regain momentum.
Colombia capitalized on the numerical advantage late in the game and increased the pressure through counter-attacks led by Valerin Loboa and Mariana Silva.
Loboa finally broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time after latching onto a through ball from midfield.
Her first effort was blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma, but the Colombian forward reacted quickly to the rebound and scored the only goal of the match.
The Falconets pushed for an equalizer, but Colombia held firm to secure their place in the semi-finals. Nigeria committed 18 fouls to Colombia’s 12, with both teams receiving two yellow cards.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign despite an impressive run in the knockout stages, including a 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16.
The Falconets had earlier opened their group-stage campaign with a 10-1 win over New Caledonia, drew 0-0 with China and lost 0-2 to Spain.
Colombia, meanwhile, drew 0-0 with Portugal, defeated Costa Rica 3-1 and lost 0-3 to defending champions North Korea in the group stage before edging hosts Poland 1-0 in the round of 16.
The Colombians, popularly known as the “PowerPuff Girls”, reach the semi-finals for the first time after previous quarter-final exits in 2022 and 2024.
Colombia will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champions North Korea and Canada in the last four, while Spain face Italy in the other semi-final. The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup began on Sept. 5 and runs until Sept. 27 in Poland.
NAN
