Falconets thrash England to reach World Cup quarter-finals
Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets recorded a stunning performance to defeat England 3-0 in the round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland.
The girls qualified for the quarter-finals in style after another clinical showing.
Nigeria showed intent from the opening whistle and were rewarded in the 8th minute when Tosin Rafiu broke the deadlock with a composed finish to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead.
The goal came after early pressure from the Nigerians, with Ramotalahi Kareem and Precious Oscar also testing the English defence.
England tried to respond through Lily Dent, Princess Ademiluyi, and Rachel Maltby, but Nigeria’s backline stood firm.
A Video Assistant Referee review for a penalty in the 33rd minute briefly threatened to change the momentum, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made a big save to deny Maltby from six yards.
Uzoma was an important performer of the day, making six big saves in a first period that the Nigeria back-line appeared to struggle to contain the big Ademiluyi.
The Falconets held their nerve to go into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes after the restart, Janet Akekoromowei doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a clinical strike.
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The Lionesses made a tactical switch, bringing on Vivienne Lia for Lily Dent, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Nigerian midfield.
Coach Moses Aduku’s substitutions proved decisive in the latter stages of the game.
Mary Mamudu, introduced in the 61st minute for Ramotalahi Kareem, made an immediate impact.
In the 73rd minute, she latched onto an assist from Precious Oscar to slot home Nigeria’s third goal, effectively sealing the contest.
England introduced fresh legs in Chloe Hylton, Layla Drury, Eleanor Klinger and Jessie Gale, but their efforts were frustrated by a composed and inspired Falconets.
Nigeria continued to control the closing stages, with late introductions of Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi helping to maintain the intensity.
The Falconets will on Sunday take on the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Poland and Colombia.
That quarter-final duel is slated for the Władyław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, starting from 2pm Nigeria time.
