U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets face Colombia in quarter-final showdown

Nigeria’s Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after the South Americans defeated hosts Poland to book their place in the last eight.

The quarter-final tie is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź, with kick-off at 5:30pm GMT.

Colombia secured their quarter-final ticket by edging past Poland in the Round of 16, setting up a meeting with a Nigeria side that enters the contest on the back of an emphatic victory.

Falconets cruise past England

The Falconets booked their place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over England on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu put Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute, giving Moses Aduku’s side an early advantage and setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Nigeria extended their lead shortly after the restart when Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei found the net to put the Falconets firmly in control.

Mary Mamudu then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, sealing a comprehensive victory and sending Nigeria into the final eight of the competition.

The result also highlighted Nigeria’s strength in both attack and defence as they kept England at bay throughout the contest.

Uzoma makes crucial penalty save

Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma played an important role in Nigeria’s progression, particularly in the first half when she produced a crucial penalty save.

Her intervention helped preserve Nigeria’s advantage and ensured England could not find a way back into the contest.

With the clean sheet secured alongside three goals, the Falconets will now turn their attention to Colombia and another demanding knockout fixture.

The South Americans will provide a different challenge after also negotiating their Round of 16 tie successfully against the tournament hosts.

Nigeria will therefore have to reproduce the quality and discipline that helped them overcome England if they are to advance to the semi-finals.

One win from the last four

The quarter-final presents the Falconets with another opportunity to strengthen their bid for a deep run at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s convincing victory over England gives Aduku’s team momentum heading into Sunday’s encounter, but Colombia’s progression means they cannot afford to underestimate their next opponents.

Both teams are now one victory away from the semi-finals, raising the stakes for what should be a closely contested meeting in Łódź.

Nigeria vs Colombia — Quarter-final
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Kick-off: 5:30pm GMT
Venue: Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, Łódź, Poland