Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Colombia scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 quarter-final victory on Sunday.
The match appeared set for extra time after neither side managed to break the deadlock during the regulation 90 minutes.
However, Colombia struck in the second minute of added time to end Nigeria’s campaign in dramatic fashion.
Valerin Loboa scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, finding the breakthrough after Nigeria had largely kept Colombia at bay.
Nigeria reduced to 10 players
Nigeria had chances of their own, particularly in the second half.
Tumininu Adeshina came close when she advanced from defence and unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from distance. Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo reacted quickly to tip the shot over the bar.
Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie also attempted to break Colombia’s resistance.
The Falconets were, however, reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute when Mafisere was sent off, with the decision subsequently confirmed by VAR.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Nigeria continued to attack and looked for a late equaliser.
Akekoromowei had another opportunity in the seventh minute of stoppage time, but Nigeria could not find the goal that would have taken the match into extra time.
Colombia hold on for victory
Colombia also created opportunities throughout the contest, with Loboa among those who tested the Nigerian defence.
The late strike eventually settled a closely fought quarter-final and sent Colombia into the last four.
The Falconets had reached the quarter-finals after defeating England 3-0 in the round of 16, following a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final group match.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals, while Colombia will face either DPR Korea or Canada in the next round.