Nigeria’s Falconets reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by beating England 3-0 in the Round of 16 in Poland on Thursday 17 September 2026.
Tosin Rafiu scored in the eighth minute. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei added a second shortly after half-time. Mary Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Also read: Falconets duo enter golden boot race after stunning 10–1 victory
Nigeria started quickly. Tosin Rafiu put the Falconets ahead after eight minutes. England were awarded a first-half penalty, but goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s kick. Nigeria led 1-0 at the interval.
Two minutes into the second half, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei made it 2-0. England tried to recover. Mary Mamudu scored in the 73rd minute to settle the tie.
The result sends Moses Aduku’s team into the last eight.
Nigeria finished second in Group F with four points. The Falconets lost 2-0 to Spain, drew 0-0 with China and beat New Caledonia 10-1.
That win took them into the knockout stage against England, who finished third in Group B.
Nigeria have scored 13 goals in their last two matches after failing to score in the first two group games.
Also read: Falconets duo enter golden boot race after stunning 10–1 victory
The Falconets are two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup and remain in contention for a first title.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
