NIGERIA’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, on Thursday defeated England 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victory at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała kept Nigeria’s title hopes alive and ensured that Africa remains represented in the competition.
Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu secured the emphatic Round of 16 victory for Moses Aduku’s side.
Nigeria, Africa’s only remaining representative in the tournament, took the lead as early as the eighth minute when Rafiu found the back of the net.
England responded by enjoying more possession, but Nigeria remained dangerous on the counter.
The Young Lionesses had an opportunity to equalise 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 until the break and returned for the second half with renewed purpose.
On resumption of the second half, Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 47th minute, just two minutes after the restart.
The forward had also scored in the Falconets’ final group-stage match against New Caledonia.
England attempted to reduce the deficit but struggled to contain Nigeria, who continued to create scoring opportunities in spite of having less possession.
Mamudu then sealed the victory in the 74th minute, scoring Nigeria’s third goal and effectively ending England’s hopes of a comeback.
The match ended 3-0 in favour of Nigeria, sending the Falconets into the last eight of the competition.
The statistics reflected Nigeria’s efficiency in front of goal, with England enjoying 56 per cent possession compared with Nigeria’s 44 per cent.
However, Nigeria registered 14 shots to England’s 12 and created five big chances against England’s two.
NAN reports that Falconets will face the winner of the Round of 16 encounter between Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals stage.
The 2026 edition of the competition commenced on Sept. 5 and is scheduled to end on Sept. 27. (NAN)
