Falconets defeat England 3-0, move to World Cup quarter-finals

Nigeria’s Falconets have made it to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. They beat England 3-0 in their Round of 16 match in Poland on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu scored the first goal for Nigeria just eight minutes into the game. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei added another goal shortly after half-time to double the lead.

Mary Mamudu wrapped up the scoring in the 73rd minute. The Falconets secured a solid win at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

Nigeria started strong and took the lead early when Rafiu found the back of the net in the eighth minute. England had a chance to equalize with a penalty in the first half. But Christiana Uzoma, the goalkeeper and captain, saved Rachel Maltby’s shot, keeping Nigeria in front.

The Falconets went into halftime leading 1-0. They quickly increased their lead to 2-0 just two minutes into the second half when Akekoromowei scored again.

England pushed hard to get back into the match. But Nigeria held firm, and Mamudu's goal in the 73rd minute sealed the win.

This victory sends Moses Aduku’s team into the last eight of the tournament. Nigeria reached the knockout stage by finishing second in Group F with four points.

The Falconets lost their first match 2-0 to Spain, drew 0-0 with China, and then defeated New Caledonia 10-1 in their last group match. That big win helped them qualify for the Round of 16 against England, who ended up third in Group B.

Nigeria has now scored 13 goals in their last two matches after not scoring in their first two group games. The Falconets are two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup. They will continue their quest for a first title in the quarter-finals.