FALCONETS STUN ENGLAND 3-0 TO REACH U-20 WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINAL

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Thursday, 17th September 2026

FALCONETS STUN ENGLAND 3-0 TO REACH U-20 WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINAL

Nigeria’s Falconets have stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after producing a commanding 3-0 victory over England’s Young Lionesses on Thursday afternoon.

The two-time World Cup silver medallists started the encounter with tremendous purpose and were rewarded as early as the 8th minute, when Tosin Rafiu calmly finished to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.

England attempted to respond through Lily Dent, Princess Ademiluyi and Rachel Maltby, but the Falconets defence remained determined. Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was particularly outstanding, making six important saves in the first half.

England were handed a major opportunity to equalise in the 33rd minute after a VAR review resulted in a penalty. However, Uzoma produced a crucial save from six yards to deny Rachel Maltby and preserve Nigeria’s lead going into the break.

Nigeria returned from half-time with even greater intensity. Just two minutes into the second half, Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage with a clinical finish to put the Falconets 2-0 ahead.

Coach Moses Aduku then made changes that helped Nigeria maintain control. Mary Mamudu, introduced in the 61st minute, made an immediate impact and added the third goal in the 73rd minute, finishing from a Precious Oscar assist.

England made several substitutions in an attempt to change the game, but the Falconets remained organised and disciplined. Nigeria’s late substitutions, including Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi, helped maintain the team’s energy until the final whistle.

The victory sends Nigeria into the last eight, continuing the Falconets’ impressive campaign after their emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in the group stage.

The Falconets will return to action on Sunday, facing the winner of the Poland versus Colombia Round of 16 encounter at the Władyław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigerian time.

Speaking after the victory, Coach Moses Aduku praised his players for responding to the encouragement they received before the match and said the team would now focus on the quarter-final.

NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme also congratulated the team, describing the victory as a great achievement while promising continued support and motivation as the Falconets chase the World Cup trophy.

Nigeria have now sent a strong message to the remaining teams in Poland: the Falconets are serious contenders for the title.

By OLAWALE HAMZAT TOP STRIKER

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