Nigeria’s Falconets produced an impressive display to defeat England 3-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu gave Moses Aduku’s side a convincing victory at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Rafiu put Nigeria ahead as early as the eighth minute, giving the Falconets the perfect start. England were handed an opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot before half-time, but Nigerian captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced an important save to deny Rachel Maltby.
Nigeria maintained their composure after the break and doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half, with Akekoromowei finding the net in the 47th minute.
The Falconets continued to control proceedings and eventually added a third goal in the 73rd minute through Mamudu, effectively putting the contest beyond England.
The victory further highlights Nigeria’s attacking strength at the tournament. The Falconets have now scored 13 goals in four matches, while recording two clean sheets.
Nigeria reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F. They opened with a 2-0 defeat to Spain, followed by a goalless draw against China PR before producing a remarkable 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final group game.
England, meanwhile, progressed from Group B after drawing with Canada, defeating Tanzania 5-1 and suffering a defeat against Brazil.
The Falconets will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between hosts Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 20, at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.
The result also keeps Nigeria’s impressive history in the competition alive. The Falconets have finished as runners-up twice, in 2010 and 2014, and remain Africa’s only surviving representative at the 2026 tournament.
With England now out of the competition, Nigeria will look to carry their momentum into the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
