Nigeria’s Falconets are out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a painful 1-0 loss to Colombia.
The quarter-final looked set for extra time until Valerin Loboa struck in the 92nd minute.
The late goal ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals after a strong run in Poland.
The Falconets created chances throughout the match but could not beat Colombia’s defence.
Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei came close when her effort hit the woodwork.
Tumininu Adeshina also tested Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo from distance.
Agudelo made the save needed to keep the game level before the break.
Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma then kept her team alive after halftime. She made important saves as Colombia began finding more openings in attack.
The game changed in the 77th minute when Kafayat Mafisere was sent off. The red card was confirmed after a VAR review, leaving Nigeria with ten players.
Despite being a player down, the Falconets continued fighting as the match entered its final minutes.
Extra time appeared close before Colombia delivered the decisive blow.
Loboa reacted quickly after her first attempt was stopped by Uzoma. She finished from the rebound to send Colombia into the last four.
The result ended Nigeria’s Falconets U20 World Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage.
Nigeria had reached the quarter-finals after a convincing 3-0 victory over England.
That result had raised hopes of another deep run in the competition. However, Colombia’s late strike brought the Falconets’ journey to an end.
