Nigeria’s Falconets have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash on Thursday.
Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving Nigeria an early advantage after a bright start.
England had opportunities to level the score, but Falconets captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced a crucial performance. She first denied Princess Ademiluyi before saving Rachel Maltby’s penalty and tipping the effort onto the crossbar to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
Nigeria returned from the break with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half through Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei.
Mary Mamudu then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, sealing a comprehensive victory for Moses Aduku’s side and sending the Falconets into the last eight.
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The victory represents Nigeria’s second win of the tournament and takes their goals tally to 13 in four matches. The Falconets have recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, while keeping two clean sheets.
Nigeria will return to action in the quarter-finals on September 20, where they will face either hosts Poland or Colombia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź.
The quarter-final is scheduled to kick off at 6:30pm Nigerian time.