Falconets target first U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-final in 12 Years
The Nigeria U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets will take on Colombia today in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, aiming to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in 12 years.
Newsmen report that the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
The Nigerian side secured their place in the last eight after a convincing 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16 in Bielsko-Biała on Thursday.
The two-time runners-up will return to Łódź for the quarter-final clash, with history favouring the Falconets, who defeated Colombia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition of the tournament in Germany.
Ebere Orji scored Nigeria’s decisive goal just two minutes into that encounter in Bielefeld, as the Falconets held on to secure their first-ever appearance in a FIFA women’s football final.
Nigeria had earlier defeated the U.S. in the quarter-finals of the same tournament in Augsburg.
Helen Ukaonu scored Nigeria’s equaliser 11 minutes from time before Ukaonu, Joy Jegede, Esther Sunday and Desire Oparanozie converted their penalties in the shoot-out to seal victory.
The Falconets will enter today’s encounter against Colombia with confidence following their impressive performance against England.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target as Nigeria defeated the Young Lionesses 3-0.
Mamudu has also been among Nigeria’s consistent scorers in recent weeks, having found the net against Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendly matches.
Goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma will again be expected to play a key role after making six important saves, including a penalty save, during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over England.
Head Coach Moses Aduku, however, said his players would not be carried away by the result against 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.
“The Colombians sent out the host nation and will not be a walk-in-the-park for us.
“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 Nigeria football,” he said.
Colombia also defeated tournament hosts Poland 1-0 in the Round of 16 on Thursday, having recorded the same scoreline against Poland in a pre-tournament friendly.
The Falconets displayed confidence during their official training session on Saturday, which coincided with the payment of outstanding daily allowances to the players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
NFF Acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, who also presented the players with a token of appreciation in addition to their allowances, urged the team to remain focused.
“You have sustained a great mentality in this tournament since the 0-0 draw with China in your second match.
“Tournaments naturally get tougher at the closing stages. However, tough teams get tougher when the going gets tough.
“The NFF has confidence in you to make Nigeria proud by not only overcoming the Colombian challenge, but also going all the way to lift the trophy for the very first time,” Ikpeme said.
The quarter-final encounter is expected to provide the Falconets with an opportunity to secure their first semi-final appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since 2010.
Newsmen report that the Falconets will face Columbia at 2 p.m today, while defending champions , North Korea will size up Canada at 5:30 p.m at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, Poland.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup commenced on Sept. 5 and to end on Sept. 27. in Poland.