Falconets storm World Cup quarter-finals after thrashing England

Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland following an impressive 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring for Nigeria in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei added a second shortly after the restart. Mary Mamudu sealed the win with a 73rd-minute strike at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

The Falconets made their intentions clear from the outset, with Rafiu putting Moses Aduku’s side ahead just eight minutes into the contest.

England were handed a chance to level the score from the penalty spot in the first half, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain, Christiana Uzoma, stood firm to save Rachel Maltby’s effort.

Nigeria consequently carried their 1-0 advantage into the interval.

The West Africans doubled their lead only two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei found the net to make it 2-0.

England attempted to reduce the deficit as the match progressed, but Nigeria remained composed and maintained control before Mamudu delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute.

The result means Aduku’s team have advanced to the last eight of the tournament and remain in contention for their first-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria entered the knockout phase after finishing second in Group F with four points. The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.

They bounced back emphatically in their final group fixture, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 to secure their passage into the Round of 16.

England, who finished third in Group B, were drawn against the Nigerians in the first knockout round.

The victory over England also extended Nigeria’s remarkable scoring run, with the Falconets having now netted 13 goals across their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two group games.

Nigeria are two-time runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a maiden championship title.