Falconets have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash.
The Nigerian youngsters were undone by a late goal from Valentina Loboa, who struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send Colombia into the semi-finals.
The encounter remained goalless for more than 75 minutes, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough in a closely fought contest.
Nigeria appeared to have taken control of the game as the second half progressed, but their hopes of forcing their way into the last four were eventually ended by Colombia’s late winner.
Colombia had a goal disallowed in the 76th minute through K. Mafisare, keeping the Falconets alive as the match moved towards extra time.
However, just when the Nigerians appeared set to survive the regulation 90 minutes, Loboa delivered the decisive blow in the second minute of added time.
The Colombian forward found the breakthrough to leave Nigeria with no time to recover as the South Americans held on for a 1-0 victory.
The defeat brings the Falconets’ campaign to an end at the quarter-final stage, while Colombia advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
For Nigeria, the late loss will be particularly disappointing after the team kept Colombia at bay for virtually the entire match before conceding in stoppage time.
