Nigeria were knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 quarter-final defeat by Colombia in Łódź on Sunday.
Valerin Loboa scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute after Nigeria had been reduced to 10 players late in the second half.
The match had remained finely balanced for long periods, with both sides struggling to create clear chances before the interval.
Nigeria came closest to opening the scoring when Tumininu Adeshina struck from distance, forcing Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo to tip her effort over the crossbar.
Colombia increased the pressure after the break, with Mariana Silva twice finding space in the Nigerian defence, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma denied her on both occasions.
Nigeria’s task became more difficult in the 77th minute when Kafayat Masifere was sent off following a dangerous tackle on Samantha Rodriguez.
Despite being a player down, Nigeria held firm and appeared set to force extra time.
But Colombia finally broke through deep into stoppage time when Uzoma saved the initial effort and Loboa reacted quickest to the rebound to score.
The defeat brought Nigeria’s campaign to an end at the quarter-final stage after a disciplined defensive performance that was undone in the closing moments.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
