After reaching the quarterfinals in thrilling fashion, the Falconets will look to secure another statement victory when they face Colombia in the last eight of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
Nigeria booked their place in the quarterfinals with an impressive victory over the Young Lionesses of England. An early goal in the first half and two further strikes after the break saw Moses Aduku’s side claim a convincing 3-0 win and progress to the next round.
Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring just seven minutes into the encounter with her second goal of the tournament. Highly rated youngster Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 47th minute before Mary Mamudu completed the comprehensive victory with the third goal in the 72nd minute.
The result set up a quarterfinal meeting with Colombia, who defeated hosts Poland in their own round-of-16 clash. In a tightly contested encounter, the South American side secured their place in the last eight through an 89th-minute own goal by Martyna Bartczak.
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While Nigeria are targeting a return to the semifinals for the first time since 2014, Colombia will be looking to reach the last four for the first time in 16 years.
Nigeria have faced Colombia just once previously at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The meeting came in the semifinals of the 2010 edition, when the Falconets secured a 1-0 victory to reach the final for the first time in their history.
The Falconets will now be hoping to repeat that feat as they continue their pursuit of a maiden World Cup title. A victory over Colombia would see Nigeria face either three-time champions North Korea or CONCACAF champions Canada in the semifinals.
Nigeria’s quarterfinal clash with Colombia will kick off by 2pm at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.
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