Ahead of their high-stakes quarter-final clash, the Falconets vs Colombia clash at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will see Nigeria battle for a spot in the semi-finals in Łódź
The clash against Colombia in Łódź is coming on the back of a soul-lifting performance, with the Nigerian girls still relishing a three-goal defeat of England’s Young Lionesses in the Round of 16.
Nigerian Stars To Watch
The trio of Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored to send the Lionesses back to London.
Mamudu has proved a consistent finisher in the past few weeks, after scoring against host nation Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendlies.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain, Christiana Uzoma, made a jaw-dropping six big saves (including a penalty kick) against England in a ferocious 45 minutes in the Round of 16 and will again be instrumental to Nigeria’s game on Sunday.
Meanwhile, head Coach Moses Aduku insists his girls will not go into the Municipal Stadium with any sense of achievement or over-confidence.
“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.”
Also, just as the Falconets defeated Poland 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly in Brzeg, Colombia achieved the same result, eliminating the hosts on Thursday night.
Falconets Vs Colombia U20 Head-to-Head
The Falconets return to familiar hunting grounds in Łódź, and with history in their favour, having beaten the South Americans 1-0 in the semi-final stage of the 2010 edition, when Ebere Orji scored after only two minutes in Bielefeld, Germany, and the Nigerian girls held on to the advantage till the end.
The Falconets exuded confidence and great spirit during Saturday’s official training, which coincided with the payment of outstanding daily allowances for the players and officials by the Nigeria Football Federation.
