Falconets arrive Nigeria after U-20 World Cup quarter-final exit
Nigeria’s Falconets have returned to Abuja following their quarter-final exit at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The team arrived in the Nigerian capital on Monday night after their campaign ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the last eight.
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NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, alongside members of the federation’s management, welcomed the players and officials upon their arrival.
Nigeria recover after difficult start
The Falconets endured a challenging opening to the tournament, losing 2-0 to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China PR in Group F.
They responded well in their final group fixture, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 to finish second in the group with four points and secure a place in the knockout stage.
Moses Aduku’s side carried that improvement into the Round of 16, producing an impressive 3-0 victory over England.
Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage early in the second half. Mary Mamudu then completed the win in the 73rd minute.
Akekoromowei was named Player of the Match after scoring one goal and providing an assist.
Late Colombia goal ends campaign
The victory over England set up a quarter-final meeting with Colombia, where Nigeria came close to taking the lead through Akekoromowei, whose first-half effort struck the crossbar.
The Falconets were reduced to 10 players in the 78th minute when Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card.
Nigeria remained competitive despite the numerical disadvantage and appeared set to force extra time before Colombia struck in the second minute of stoppage time.
Valerin Loboa scored from the rebound after Christiana Uzoma had saved her initial effort, giving Colombia a 1-0 victory and ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
The Falconets nevertheless finished as Africa’s last night and representatives in the competition and reached the quarter-finals after progressing from a difficult group.