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.
Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.
Mary Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as the Falconets secured a convincing victory at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Nigeria made a bright start and were rewarded when Rafiu found the net early in the encounter.
England were presented with an opportunity to level from the penalty spot in the first half, but Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s effort to preserve the Falconets’ lead.
Nigeria went into the break 1-0 ahead before Akekoromowei struck shortly after the restart to give Moses Aduku’s side a two-goal cushion.
England attempted to reduce the deficit, but Nigeria remained composed and Mamudu’s 73rd-minute goal effectively settled the contest.
The victory sends the Falconets into the last eight, continuing their pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title. Nigeria have finished runners-up twice in the competition.
The Falconets had secured their place in the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F with four points.
They opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain and followed it with a goalless draw against China before responding emphatically with a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final group game.
The huge win over New Caledonia lifted Nigeria into second place behind Spain and secured their Round of 16 ticket.
England reached the knockout stage after finishing third in Group B, behind Brazil and ahead of Canada. The Young Lionesses drew 1-1 with Canada, defeated Tanzania 5-1 and lost 2-1 to Brazil in their final group match.
The Falconets have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches after failing to find the net in their opening two group games.
Nigeria will face the winner of the Round of 16 encounter between hosts Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
