Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday.
The Nigerian youngsters produced a disciplined and clinical display at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, scoring once in the first half before adding two more goals after the interval to eliminate the Young Lionesses.
Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria the breakthrough in the eighth minute, putting the Falconets in front early and forcing England to chase the game.
England were presented with an opportunity to draw level before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute. However, Rachel Maltby failed to convert from the spot, allowing Nigeria to take a 1-0 advantage into the interval.
The Falconets then struck almost immediately after the restart.
Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute, giving the African side a two-goal cushion and putting England under considerable pressure.
Mary Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, with Precious Oscar providing the assist as Nigeria sealed an emphatic 3-0 victory.
The result continues Nigeria’s strong attacking form in the tournament. The Falconets had entered the knockout stage after dismantling New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match, with Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem among the scorers.
Nigeria had earlier opened their group campaign with a 0-2 loss against Spain, followed by a 0-0 draw with China. Their emphatic victory over New Caledonia secured second place in Group F and a place in the knockout rounds.
England, meanwhile, reached the last 16 after finishing second in Group B. The Young Lionesses drew 1-1 with Canada, defeated Tanzania 5-1 and then lost 2-1 to Brazil in their final group match. They finished ahead of Canada on the tournament’s conduct tiebreaker after the two sides ended level on points and goal difference.
The defeat ended England’s campaign, while Nigeria moved into the last eight with another clean sheet and three goals against a European opponent.
