Nigeria’s Falconets have reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday.
Tosin Rafiu put Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.
Mary Mamudu then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as the Falconets secured a convincing victory at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Nigeria made a fast start and took the lead when Rafiu found the net eight minutes into the game.
England had an opportunity to respond from the penalty spot in the first half, but goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s effort to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
The Falconets went into the break 1-0 ahead.
They extended their lead just two minutes into the second half when Akekoromowei scored to make it 2-0.
England tried to get back into the game, but Nigeria held their advantage before Mamudu struck in the 73rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory sends Moses Aduku’s side into the last eight of the competition.
Nigeria had reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F with four points. The Falconets lost their opening match 2-0 to Spain and drew 0-0 with China before defeating New Caledonia 10-1 in their final group game.
The emphatic win over New Caledonia saw Nigeria qualify for the Round of 16, where they were paired with England, who finished third in Group B.
The Falconets have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two group games.
Nigeria are two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup and will now continue their bid for a first title in the quarter-finals.
