Falconets Thrash England 3-0 To Reach U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals

Nigeria’s Falconets have reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a convincing 3-0 win over England in their Round of 16 match in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.

Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria an early lead in the eighth minute with her second goal of the tournament.

England had a chance to equalise before half time after being awarded a penalty, but Falconets captain Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s effort to keep Nigeria ahead at the break.

The Falconets doubled their lead just two minutes after the restart when Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei scored in the 47th minute.

Mary Mamudu then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as Nigeria secured a comfortable 3-0 victory and a place in the last eight.

The win also extended Nigeria’s unbeaten record against England at the U-20 Women’s World Cup. The two teams had previously met three times, with Nigeria winning once and the other two matches ending in draws.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side have now recorded two wins in the tournament. Nigeria started with a 2-0 defeat to Spain, followed by a goalless draw against China before they produced a 10-1 win over New Caledonia to finish second in Group F.

The Falconets have scored 13 goals in four matches and kept two clean sheets.

The victory also marks an improvement in Nigeria’s defensive performance after conceding three goals in their first three group matches.

Nigeria will now face either hosts Poland or Colombia in the quarterfinals on September 20 at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź.