Nigeria U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, stunned England 3-0 to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria took control early at the Bielsko-Biała Stadium when Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a brilliant run and finish past Katie Cox for her second goal of the tournament.
England also threatened before the break, with Christiana Uzoma making several saves, including a crucial stop from Rachel Maltby’s penalty after a VAR review following Rebecca Adegbemile’s foul, to keep Nigeria in front at half-time.
The Falconets came out strongly after the restart, with Janet Akekoromowei doubling their lead in the 47th minute for her second goal of the tournament. England tried to reduce the deficit through Princess Ademiluyi, but Nigeria remained in control and extended their advantage in the 73rd minute when substitute Mary Mamudu turned home Akekoromowei’s cut-back after another defensive error.
Nigeria made changes in the closing stages as Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi were introduced to help see out the victory. Akekoromowei was named Player of the Match after her impressive performance.
The win sends the two-time silver medallists into the quarter-finals, while the 3-0 result represents the biggest margin of victory in a World Cup meeting between Nigeria and England across the men’s and women’s senior and U20 teams.
Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland-Colombia round of 16 tie in the quarter-finals as they continue their push for a place in the last four.
Image: FIFA
