Nigeria’s Falconets are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after dispatching England 3-0 in Poland on Thursday.
The decisive result was built around a fast start, a composed defensive display and two second-half goals that put the tie beyond England’s reach.
Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute, while Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei struck soon after the restart to give Nigeria a commanding cushion. Mary Mamudu then added a third in the 73rd minute at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Nigeria could have faced a more difficult contest after England were awarded a first-half penalty. Rachel Maltby stepped up, but Falconets goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced the crucial save to preserve her team’s advantage.
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Nigeria entered the knockout rounds as runners-up in Group F with four points. Their campaign began with a 2-0 defeat by Spain, followed by a goalless draw against China. They responded emphatically by beating New Caledonia 10-1, a result that secured their progression.
The Falconets have now scored 13 times in their past two matches, a sharp contrast to their failure to find the net in either of their opening group fixtures.
Furthermore, two-time runners-up at this competition, Nigeria, will next turn their attention to the quarter-finals. This comes as the team continues their bid to win the U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time.
