RismadarVoice Sports
September 17, 2026
Nigeria’s Falconets have stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 encounter in Poland on Thursday.
Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu, coupled with a crucial penalty save by captain Christiana Uzoma, secured Nigeria’s place among the final eight teams.
The Falconets made an explosive start at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, with Rafiu opening the scoring in the eighth minute.
England were handed a major opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot before half-time, but Uzoma denied Rachel Maltby to preserve Nigeria’s advantage.
Nigeria went into the interval 1-0 ahead before quickly tightening their grip on the match after the restart.
Akekoromowei doubled the lead just two minutes into the second half, leaving England needing two goals to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
The Falconets remained disciplined as England attempted to respond before Mamudu struck in the 73rd minute to make it 3-0 and effectively seal Nigeria’s passage to the quarter-finals.
FALCONETS HIT SCORING FORM
The victory continues a dramatic turnaround for Moses Aduku’s side after they failed to score in their opening two matches of the tournament.
Nigeria began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China.
The Falconets then produced a dominant 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final group match to finish second with four points and qualify for the knockout stage.
Thursday’s three goals against England mean Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches without conceding.
The Falconets, who have twice finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now continue their campaign in the quarter-finals as they pursue Nigeria’s first title in the competition.