Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a late 1–0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash on Sunday.

The Falconets appeared set to force the match into extra time after holding Colombia to a goalless draw for most of the encounter. However, Valerin Loboa struck in stoppage time to send the South Americans into the semi-finals.

Nigeria created several chances during the match but were unable to find the breakthrough, as Colombia defended resolutely to keep the Falconets at bay.

The game took a dramatic turn in the closing stages when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players following a red card.

Colombia quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Loboa scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments of the contest.

The defeat brings Nigeria’s campaign to an end at the quarter-final stage, despite the team’s impressive run to the last eight.

The Falconets had progressed from the group stage before securing their place in the quarter-finals, but their hopes of reaching the final four were ended by Colombia’s late winner.

Colombia will now continue their campaign in the semi-finals after surviving a tense encounter against Nigeria.

For the Falconets, the late concession proved decisive, ending a promising tournament run just one step away from the semi-finals.