Nigeria knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Moses Aduku’s side, Africa’s sole remaining representative, are out of the competition.

It is the end of the road for Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup taking place in Poland. After causing a sensation by thrashing New Caledonia on the third and final day of the group stage and knocking England out in the round of 16, Nigeria lost to Colombia on 20 September in the quarter-finals.

The Falconets, however, held their own for almost the entire match at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź. But a key moment in the game completely changed the momentum for Moses Aduku’s players. Kafayat Mafisere was shown a red card in the 77th minute.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Nigeria continued to hold their own against the Colombians. But the final minutes proved fatal for the Falconets. A late goal by Valerin Loboa for Colombia in the 92nd minute sealed Nigeria’s fate.

Moses Aduku’s team were powerless to respond until the final whistle. Nigeria exit the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after giving Africa something to dream about.