Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku says the future remains promising after the Falconets were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by Colombia.
The Nigerian side were beaten 1-0 at Stadion Miejski LKS in Lodz on Sunday afternoon, with Valerin Loboa scoring in the 92nd minute to send Colombia through to the semi-finals.
Colombia will face DPR Korea in the last four after their dramatic late victory ended Nigeria’s tournament.
Although the result brought the Falconets’ campaign to a disappointing conclusion, a number of Nigerian players produced impressive performances during the competition.
Goalkeeper Christianah Uzoma, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem were among those who attracted particular praise for their displays.
Aduku believes the experience gained in the tournament will help the young players develop and progress in their careers. The coach also said Nigeria’s performances had offered an encouraging glimpse of what lies ahead for the country’s women’s football teams.
“First and foremost, this tournament is good for the young players,” Aduku told FIFA.
“It gives them the ability to grow and reach the next level. I think, in Nigeria, we have seen the future of our players. And I think the future is very bright.”