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

Falconets Thrash England 3-0 to Reach U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after defeating England 3-0 in a commanding Round of 16 encounter on Thursday. Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu secured a convincing victory for Nigeria at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała. Nigeria made a fast start and took the lead in the eighth minute. Rafiu capitalised on an error by the English defence before driving into the penalty area and finishing past goalkeeper Katie Cox to put the Falconets ahead. england responded with sustained attacking pressure and created several opportunities, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced a series of important saves to protect her side’s advantage. Uzoma’s most significant intervention came when she saved Rachel Maltby’s penalty, pushing the effort onto the crossbar. Nigeria returned from half-time with the same attacking intent and doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. Akekoromowei reacted quickly after England failed to clear a corner and struck a left-footed volley into the net to make it 2-0. England continued to search for a way back into the match, but Nigeria remained dangerous on the counterattacy The Falconets completed the scoring in the 73rd minute through substitute Mary Mamudu. Akekoromowei won possession near the English defence before supplying Mamudu, who finished into an unguarded net to make it 3-0. Nigeria maintained control for the remainder of the match to secure their place in the final eight. The victory represents another strong response from Nigeria after a difficult start to their Group F campaign. The Falconets opened the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China. They then produced a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to finish second in their group and qualify for the knockout stage. Nigeria, who have twice finished as runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday.