Falconets Battle Colombia for First U-20 World Cup Semi-Final Ticket in 12 Years

Nigeria’s Falconets face Colombia today in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Łódź, Poland, with a place in the last four and a shot at ending a 12-year semi-final drought on the line.

The two-time runners-up reached the last eight after a commanding 3-0 victory over England on Thursday, with goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu.

Coach Moses Aduku has warned his players against complacency following the impressive win over England. “It will be unwise for us to keep thinking of the win over England.

That match is gone, and we already cut short our celebration immediately after in the dressing room to focus on the encounter with Colombia,” Aduku said.

The coach acknowledged the quality of the South American side, who eliminated tournament hosts Poland 1-0 in their Round of 16 tie. “The Colombians sent out the host nation and will not be a walk-in-the-park for us,” he said.

History favours Nigeria in this fixture. The Falconets defeated Colombia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition in Germany, courtesy of an Ebere Orji goal after just two minutes, a result that sent Nigeria to their first-ever FIFA women’s football final.

Goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma is expected to play a key role after her standout performance against England, where she made six crucial saves, including a penalty stop.

Aduku emphasised the significance of the opportunity. “We must put our best foot forward, contest every ball and go for victory. The girls realise that this is an extraordinary opportunity for them to write their names in gold in Nigerian football,” he stated.

NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme urged the team to maintain focus as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

“Tournaments naturally get tougher at the closing stages. However, tough teams get tougher when the going gets tough,” Ikpeme said.

Italy and Spain have already booked their places in the semi-finals, with the two European sides set to meet on Wednesday.

The winners of Nigeria’s clash with Colombia and the North Korea versus Canada fixture will contest the second semi-final.

The match kicks off at 2:00pm West African Time at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.