Falconets of Nigeria will take on Colombia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup in Poland.
The quarterfinal tie was confirmed after Colombia edged out hosts Poland 1-0 in Thursday’s round of 16 clash.
The decisive goal came late, in the 89th minute, through an own goal by Poland’s Martyna Bartczak, which occurred from a shot by Colombia’s Mariana Silva that deflected off the defender into the net.
The match was tightly contested with few clear chances until then; Poland had some late opportunities that Colombia’s defense and goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo managed to repel.
Colombia, advanced from Group E as one of the best third-placed teams (with a win over Costa Rica, a draw against Portugal, and a loss to North Korea).
This marks consecutive quarterfinal appearances for the Colombian side in the competition.
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This would be the second time the Falconets will face Colombia at the World Cup, after their first clash in the semifinal of the 2010 tournament.
A second minute goal by Ebere Orji secured a 1-0 win for the Falconets, who went on to lose 2-0 to Germany in the final.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday the Falconets thrashed England 3-0 to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu got the Falconets’ three goals.
By James Agberebi
