Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Chioma Ohakim, and the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, have hailed the Falconets for their courage after their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup exit, a stoppage-time goal by Valerin Loboa handing Colombia victory in Sunday’s quarter-final in Lódz.
Ohakim consoled the downcast players and officials in the dressing room of the Stadion LKS Miejski.
‘The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi-finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts,’ she said.
Ikpeme said the girls were not disgraced, praising their energy and vibrancy.
‘You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.
‘It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.’
The two-time runners-up dominated set-pieces and created the better chances in a goalless first half. Portugal-based forward Janet Akekoromowei rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box in the 19th minute, and defender Tumininu Adeshina’s effort was tipped over by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th.
Nigeria continued to push after the break, with Tosin Rafiu and Akekoromowei testing Agudelo, but lacked a clinical edge. Coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha.
The game turned in the 77th minute, when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. Loboa then latched onto a through ball in the second minute of added time. Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma blocked her first effort, but Loboa followed up to score from the rebound and send Colombia into the last four.