Loboa’s 92nd-Minute Strike Sends Colombia Into Semi-Finals
Nigeria’s Falconets suffered a late 0-1 defeat to Colombia in the quarter-final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
The match appeared headed for extra time after both teams failed to score during the 90 minutes, but Valerin Loboa struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send Colombia through.
Loboa fired Colombia ahead in the 92nd minute after Nigeria had largely kept their opponents at bay throughout the contest.
The Falconets had chances of their own, with Tumininu Adeshina coming close after her powerful long-range left-foot shot was tipped over by Colombian goalkeeper Louisa Agudelo.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides creating opportunities. Colombia threatened through Loboa and Isabella Diaz, while Nigeria saw efforts from Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie.
Nigeria were reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute after Mafisere was sent off, with the red card subsequently confirmed by VAR.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Falconets continued to push forward and introduced Winner Onajite David, Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky at different stages of the second half.
Akekoromowei had another opportunity in the seventh minute of added time, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
Colombia will now face either DPR Korea or Canada in the semi-final.