Falconets thrash England 3-0 to reach U-20 World Cup quarter-finals

Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after producing a convincing 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday. According to PUNCH Sports, Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s advantage shortly after half-time, with Mary Mamudu completing the victory in the 73rd minute.

The Falconets made an impressive start at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, with Rafiu finishing an early attack to put Moses Aduku’s side ahead. England were handed a major opportunity to respond before the interval when they won a penalty, but Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s effort to preserve the lead.

Nigeria returned from the break with renewed purpose and extended their advantage just two minutes into the second half through Akekoromowei. England attempted to fight their way back into the contest but struggled to break through Nigeria’s defence, before Mamudu settled the tie with the third goal.

The result marks Nigeria’s second win of the tournament after they finished second in Group F with four points. The Falconets had lost 2-0 to Spain and drawn 0-0 with China before responding with a 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia. They have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches and will face either Poland or Colombia in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.