Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over England in Poland on Thursday.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu were on target as Nigeria delivered an impressive Round of 16 performance to eliminate England and keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive.
🚨🇳🇬 WHAT A GOAL! 🔥
🇳🇬 Nigeria 1–0 England 🏴
The Falconets have found their rhythm.
The girls are growing into the game and have taken the lead.
Keep going, Falconets! pic.twitter.com/Dys8rEC3Mb
— SportBlits (@sportblitsX) September 17, 2026
Rafiu gave the Falconets an early lead in the eighth minute after a brilliant individual run down the left, beating the England defence before firing past goalkeeper Katie Cox.
England responded with increased possession and were awarded a penalty, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced a superb save to deny Rachel Maltby and preserve the Falconets’ advantage.
🚨🇳🇬 SAVED! Uzoma saves England’s penalty just before halftime 🤩🔥🔥
Nigeria lead at halftime. pic.twitter.com/4HcFVt5oDz
— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) September 17, 2026
Nigeria returned from the break with renewed intensity, with Akekoromowei doubling the lead just two minutes into the second half with a well-struck left-footed volley.
Mamudu sealed the victory in the 73rd minute as Nigeria completed a convincing 3-0 win.
The victory represents a major turnaround for Moses Aduku’s side, who opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China.
Needing a strong result to progress, Nigeria responded with a spectacular 10-1 victory over New Caledonia, finishing second in the group with four points.
Nigeria’s Falconets scored their 3rd goal in a 3-0 trashing of England at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. pic.twitter.com/DlpBRZiL5l
— Mathew Okugbe (@Mathew_Okugbe) September 17, 2026
Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner Onajite David scored hat-tricks in that match, while Rebecca Adegbemile added two goals, with Akekoromowei and Rafiu also finding the net.
The two-time runners-up will now face the winner of the Poland-Colombia Round of 16 tie in Lodz on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals.
