Nigeria's Falconets played a goalless draw with China PR in their second match of Group F at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The game took place at Arena Sosnowiec. Nigeria now has one point from two matches. They must win their final group game against New Caledonia on Sunday.
The Falconets started strong. Janet Akekoromowei created Nigeria’s first real chance in the 17th minute.
As the first half went on, Nigeria found their rhythm. Kafayat Mafisere won a corner in the 33rd minute. Akekoromowei came close again in the 38th minute and in added time.
China also tried to score before halftime. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi, and Song Lijuan tested the Nigerian defense.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and the Falconets' defenders held strong. They made sure both teams went into the break without a goal.
At the start of the second half, China brought in Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei to put on more pressure.
Chen, Xue Sifan, and Huang all took shots, but Nigeria also made chances.
Precious Oscar almost scored in the 54th minute. Mafisere tried twice in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also made a threat in the 58th minute.
In the 74th minute, Nigeria seemed to have a big chance to score when they were awarded a penalty.
But after a VAR review, the penalty was canceled. Neither team could find a goal before the match ended.
The draw leaves Spain in first place in Group F with six points. China is second with four points. Nigeria is in third place with one point, while New Caledonia is last with no points.
The Falconets can still finish second in the group or move on to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Nigeria will play New Caledonia in their final group match on Sunday, 13 September, in Łódź. The match will start at 2 p.m. Nigerian time.
A win would greatly improve Nigeria’s chances of going to the knockout stage.
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