Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, beat England 3-0 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu scored as Moses Aduku’s side secured a convincing Round of 16 victory at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, keeping Nigeria’s title hopes alive. The victory also ensured that Nigeria remains Africa’s only representative in the competition.
Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing to give Nigeria an early advantage. England responded by dominating possession, but Nigeria remained a threat on the counter-attack.
The Young Lionesses had a chance to level the scores in the 36th minute when Rachel Maltby stepped up to take a penalty, but she failed to convert the spot-kick. Nigeria held on to their lead into the break and returned for the second half with renewed intent.
Also Read: Falconets thrash New Caledonia 10-1, reach round of 16
Akekoromowei doubled the Falconets’ advantage in the 47th minute, just two minutes after the restart. The forward had also scored in Nigeria’s final group-stage match against New Caledonia.
England tried to reduce the deficit but struggled to contain Nigeria, who continued to create scoring opportunities despite having less possession.
Mamudu completed the scoring in the 74th minute, effectively ending England’s hopes of a comeback. The match ended 3-0, sending the Falconets into the last eight of the tournament.
England had 56 per cent possession compared with Nigeria’s 44 per cent, but the Falconets were more effective in front of goal. Nigeria registered 14 shots to England’s 12 and created five big chances, compared with England’s two.
The Falconets will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals. The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup began on Sept. 5 and is scheduled to end on Sept. 27.
NAN
