Falconets Thrash England 3-0 to Reach U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored for Nigeria as Moses Aduku’s side produced a strong knockout-stage performance at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

Nigeria took control early when Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute. She intercepted an England pass high up the pitch, drove into the penalty area and finished from a narrow angle to give the Falconets a 1-0 lead.

England had opportunities to respond and were awarded a penalty after a VAR review following a foul on Princess Ademiluyi. However, Nigerian goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced a crucial save, tipping Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick onto the crossbar and preserving Nigeria’s advantage.

The Falconets doubled their lead shortly after the restart. Akekoromowei reacted quickest after England failed to clear a corner, smashing the ball into the net in the 47th minute.

England continued to search for a way back into the contest, but Nigeria remained dangerous on the counter. In the 73rd minute, Akekoromowei won possession from an England throw-in before setting up Mamudu, who finished into an open net to complete the 3-0 victory.

The result sends Nigeria into the final eight of the tournament and ends England’s campaign in Poland. The Falconets will face either hosts Poland or Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 20, in Łódź.

Nigeria had reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F. The team lost 2-0 to Spain and drew 0-0 with China before producing a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to secure their place in the Round of 16.

The Falconets, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now continue their pursuit of a first title in the competition.