Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the FIFA U 20 Women’s World Cup after conceding a late goal in their 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Colombia on Sunday.
The Falconets appeared set to force the match into extra time after holding Colombia for most of the encounter, but Valerin Loboa struck in injury time to send the South Americans into the semi-finals.
Nigeria had created several opportunities during the match but was unable to find the breakthrough as Colombia defended resolutely.
The game took a dramatic turn in the closing stages when the Falconets were reduced to 10 players following a red card.
Colombia immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Loboa finding the decisive goal in the dying moments of the contest.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign at the quarterfinal stage despite an impressive run to the last eight.
The Falconets had advanced to the knockout stage after navigating the group phase before securing their place in the quarter finals.
Colombia, meanwhile, will continue their campaign in the semifinals after surviving a tense encounter against the Nigerians.
For Nigeria, the late concession means the team will leave the tournament without a place in the final four despite dominating significant periods of the quarter final.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
