Falconets Thrash England 3-0, Reach U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals

By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Thursday, 17 September 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets have reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after recording a convincing 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria an early lead in the seventh minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Mary Mamudu then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as the Falconets secured a comprehensive victory at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

Nigeria started the encounter strongly and took the lead after Rafiu finished an early attacking move to put the Falconets 1-0 ahead.

England had an opportunity to draw level from the penalty spot, but Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced a crucial save to deny Rachel Maltby and preserve her side’s advantage.

The Falconets consequently went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.

Nigeria increased the pressure after the restart and doubled its advantage in the 47th minute when Akekoromowei found the back of the net.

With England struggling to find a way back into the contest, Nigeria continued to control proceedings before Mamudu added the third goal in the 73rd minute.

The 3-0 victory secured the Falconets’ place in the last eight of the competition and represented Nigeria’s second victory at the tournament.

The result also continued the team’s remarkable scoring form after a difficult opening to the competition.

Nigeria began its Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China. The Falconets, however, responded emphatically in their final group match, defeating New Caledonia 10-1 to qualify for the knockout stage.

The victory over England means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches, having previously scored 10 against New Caledonia.

The Falconets, who are two-time runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 20.