Falconets Thrash England 3-0, Face Colombia in U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals

Falconets Thrash England 3-0, Face Colombia in 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 defeating England 3-0 in a commanding Round of 16 encounter in Poland.

The Nigerian U-20 women’s team produced a strong all-round performance at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała on Thursday, September 17, with Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu scoring the goals that ended England’s campaign and sent Nigeria into the last eight.

The victory was Nigeria’s second at the tournament and extended the Falconets’ scoring run to 13 goals in their last two matches, following their emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F fixture.

Nigeria made a fast start against England and took the lead after just eight minutes.

Rafiu capitalised on an errant England pass before driving into the penalty area. The Nigerian forward showed composure and pace to work her way past the English defence before firing beyond goalkeeper Katie Cox from a narrow angle.

The goal gave the Falconets early momentum, although England responded with greater attacking pressure as the first half progressed.

Princess Ademiluyi came close to an equaliser after being played through by Vera Jones, but Nigerian goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced an important save with her feet. Uzoma was called into action again shortly afterwards and kept out another attempt from Ademiluyi.

England were presented with an even bigger opportunity in the 33rd minute when a VAR review overturned the initial decision and awarded the Young Lionesses a penalty after Ademiluyi was fouled inside the Nigerian area.

Rachel Maltby stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Uzoma reacted quickly to tip the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.

The save proved crucial as Nigeria maintained their 1-0 advantage through the remainder of the first half.

England continued to threaten before the interval, with Lily Dent heading narrowly wide from a free-kick, but the Falconets’ defence held firm to take their lead into the break.

Nigeria then doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart.

Akekoromowei reacted quickest after England failed to clear a corner and struck a powerful left-footed volley in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.

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The goal placed England under increased pressure, although the Young Lionesses continued searching for a route back into the match.

England coach Lydia Bedford later acknowledged that her team had struggled against Nigeria’s direct and physical approach, particularly the pressure applied by the Falconets’ attacking players.

Nigeria eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute.

Akekoromowei won possession following an England throw-in before setting up substitute Mary Mamudu, who had replaced Ramotalahi Kareem in the 61st minute. Mamudu finished into an open net to complete the 3-0 victory.

The performance also earned Akekoromowei the Player of the Match award after her influential display, which included Nigeria’s second goal and involvement in the build-up to the third.

Falconets coach Moses Aduku said after the match that he believed England had underestimated his team.

Aduku acknowledged the quality of the English side but said Nigeria’s performance demonstrated the level his players were capable of producing.

Despite the emphatic victory, the coach urged his players to quickly move on from the result and concentrate on their next challenge.

He said the team could celebrate briefly but needed to remain focused because the World Cup campaign was still ongoing.

Akekoromowei also stressed the squad’s ambition, saying the Falconets travelled to Poland with the objective of competing for the World Cup title.

The victory represents a significant turnaround for Nigeria after a difficult start to the tournament.

The Falconets opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain and then played out a goalless draw with China. With their qualification hopes dependent on the final group match, Nigeria responded with a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to finish second in the group with four points.

Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two games.

The Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals after the South Americans defeated hosts Poland 1-0 in their Round of 16 match.

The quarter-final is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, Poland.

The Falconets will now look to build on their impressive victory over England as they continue their campaign in pursuit of a first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria have twice finished runners-up at the tournament, in 2010 and 2014, but have yet to lift the trophy.

The quarter-final against Colombia will provide the next test for Aduku’s team as they seek to move one step closer to making history in Poland.

Falconets Thrash England 3-0, Face Colombia in U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals