Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after an impressive 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 clash on Thursday.
Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring early, Janet Akekoromowei added a second shortly after half-time, while Mary Mamudu completed the victory in the closing stages as Nigeria produced one of their strongest performances of the tournament.
The match was played at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, where Nigeria made an ideal start.
Rafiu Gives Nigeria Early Lead
The Falconets needed only eight minutes to break the deadlock.
Rafiu showed composure and individual skill on the left before working her way into the England penalty area and firing past goalkeeper Katie Cox.
England attempted to respond and created several opportunities, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma proved equal to the challenge.
Uzoma first denied England forward Princess Ademiluyi before producing an even more important intervention when England were awarded a penalty.
Rachel Maltby stepped up from the spot, but Uzoma kept her effort out and pushed the ball onto the crossbar.
The save allowed Nigeria to take a 1-0 lead into half-time.
Akekoromowei Doubles Falconets’ Advantage
Nigeria resumed the second half with the same attacking intent and quickly extended their advantage.
Just two minutes after the restart, Akekoromowei found the net with a left-footed volley to put the Falconets 2-0 ahead.
England were now facing a difficult task and continued to search for a route back into the match.
The Young Lionesses created further chances, but Nigeria’s defence and Uzoma stood firm.
Mamudu Seals Quarter-Final Place
The Falconets eventually put the contest beyond England in the 73rd minute.
Akekoromowei won possession from an England throw-in before setting up Mamudu, who finished into an unguarded net to make it 3-0.
England could not find a response as Nigeria saw out the remainder of the match to secure their place in the last eight.
The victory also continued a remarkable turnaround for the Falconets at the tournament.
From Difficult Start to Knockout Success
Nigeria opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China.
Those results left Moses Aduku’s side with just one point from their first two matches and facing the possibility of an early exit.
The Falconets responded emphatically in their final group match, defeating New Caledonia 10-1 to finish second in the group and qualify for the knockout stage.
Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner Onajite David both scored hat-tricks in that emphatic victory, while Rebecca Adegbemile contributed two goals. Akekoromowei and Rafiu were also on the scoresheet.
The 3-0 victory over England means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals across their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two group games.
Falconets Face Colombia in Quarter-Finals
Nigeria, who have finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup twice, will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals in Łódź on Sunday.
The Falconets are the only African team remaining in the 2026 tournament after the group-stage exits of Ghana, Benin and Tanzania.
With another knockout match ahead, Aduku’s team will now look to maintain their momentum as they continue their pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.