Nigeria’s Falconets continued their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, defeating England 3-0 to secure a place in the quarter-finals in Poland.
Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored for Nigeria in a commanding Round of 16 performance at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biala that saw the Falconets overcome England and keep Africa’s hopes alive in the competition.
Nigeria made a fast start, taking the lead after just eight minutes. Rafiu produced a moment of individual brilliance, attacking down the left wing before weaving her way through the England defence and firing past goalkeeper Katie Cox.
England responded by enjoying more possession, but Nigeria remained dangerous while goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma proved crucial at the other end. Uzoma kept the Falconets in front with a brilliant save to deny England forward Princess Ademiluyi and then produced a bigger intervention, saving Rachel Maltby’s penalty and pushing the ball onto the bar and away to safety.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei struck in the 47th minute with a well-taken left-footed volley after England failed to properly clear a corner.
Mary Mamudu sealed the thoroughly deserved victory in the 73rd minute, converting Akekoromowei’s assist to make it 3-0.
The victory takes Nigeria’s goal tally to 13 in four matches at the tournament. The Falconets will now face either hosts Poland or Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 20 at the Wladyslaw Krol Municipal Stadium in Lodz.
