Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia on Sunday.
The Falconets looked set to take the encounter into extra time after keeping Colombia at bay for most of the match, but Valerin Loboa struck deep into stoppage time to send the South Americans through to the semi-finals.
The two-time runners-up were reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card, with the decision subsequently confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee.
Nigeria created several chances throughout the encounter but failed to convert them, while Colombia remained organised and resolute defensively.
The late goal ended the Falconets’ campaign as Colombia secured their place in the last four.
Despite playing with 10 players, Nigeria held Colombia until the 90th minute before Loboa found the decisive goal.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of reaching their first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final since 2010.
Recall the Falconets had entered the quarter-final after a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16, while Colombia defeated hosts Poland 1-0 at the same stage.
Nigeria have reached the final of the competition twice but are yet to win the title.
