Nigeria’s Falconets continued their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, defeating England 3-0 to secure a place in the quarter-finals in Poland.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu scored for Nigeria in a commanding Round of 16 performance that saw the Falconets overcome England and keep Africa’s hopes alive in the competition.
Nigeria made a fast start at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, taking the lead after just eight minutes.
Rafiu produced a moment of individual brilliance, attacking down the left wing before weaving her way through the England defence and firing past goalkeeper Katie Cox.
England responded by enjoying more possession, but Nigeria remained dangerous while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma proved crucial at the other end.
Uzoma kept the Falconets in front with a brilliant save to deny England forward Princess Ademiluyi.
England were then handed an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot, but Uzoma again came to Nigeria’s rescue, stopping the in-form Rachel Maltby and pushing the ball onto the bar and away to safety.
Nigeria went into the break with their advantage intact and returned from the interval with renewed purpose.
Just two minutes into the second half, Akekoromowei doubled the lead with a well-taken left-footed volley to put the Falconets firmly in control.
England tried to find a way back into the contest, but Nigeria continued to create the more dangerous opportunities.
Mamudu then put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute, completing a thoroughly deserved 3-0 victory for the Falconets.
The result marks another significant turnaround for Nigeria at the tournament. Moses Aduku’s side began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China, leaving them with just one point from their opening two matches.
With qualification at stake in their final group match, the Falconets responded with a 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia to finish second in Group F on four points and advance to the knockout stage.
Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner Onajite David scored hat-tricks in that victory, while Rebecca Adegbemile scored twice, with Akekoromowei and Rafiu also finding the net.
Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now face the winner of the Poland-Colombia Round of 16 tie in Lodz on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals.
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