Nigeria 3-0 England: Falconets Cruise Into U-20 Women's World Cup Quarter-Finals

The Nigeria Falconets have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup after a convincing 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 clash.

Moses Aduku's side produced another strong attacking performance in Łódź, with Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu getting on the scoresheet as Nigeria recorded their second win of the tournament.

The victory also extended Nigeria's impressive scoring record at the competition, with the Falconets now having scored 13 goals in four matches.

Rafiu gives Nigeria early lead

Nigeria made the perfect start when Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute.

The midfielder, who currently plays for FC Robo Queens, found the breakthrough to score her second goal of the tournament and put the Falconets 1-0 ahead.

England responded by creating opportunities of their own, but Nigeria's defence and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma stood firm.

Uzoma produced an important save from Princess Ademiluyi's effort in the 26th minute before making the biggest save of the first half.

England were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, giving them an opportunity to equalise.

However, Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby's penalty, preserving Nigeria's lead heading into the interval.

The Falconets therefore went into half-time 1-0 ahead.

Janet doubles the advantage

Nigeria started the second half just as they had started the first, quickly finding the back of the net.

Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria's advantage in the 47th minute, scoring her first goal of the knockout stage and putting the Falconets firmly in control.

England attempted to respond, but Nigeria continued to create opportunities and remained a threat going forward.

Mamudu completes the scoring

Moses Aduku introduced Mary Mamudu in the 61st minute, replacing Ramotalahi Kareem.

The substitution paid off.

Mamudu scored Nigeria's third goal in the 73rd minute, with Precious Oscar providing the assist from her touch after Janet won the ball and put in a brilliant pass.

The goal effectively sealed the result and gave Nigeria a 3-0 advantage.

Mamudu was among several substitutes used by Aduku, with Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi also entering the game.

Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes without conceding, completing another clean sheet at the tournament.

Nigeria's attacking numbers

The match statistics show just how competitive the game was despite Nigeria's three-goal victory.

England recorded 12 attempts at goal, while Nigeria had 13.

Both teams registered seven shots on target, but Nigeria were considerably more efficient with their opportunities, scoring three times.

Nigeria also won the corner count 8-4 and had more free kicks, 13-9.

England were caught offside three times compared with Nigeria's two, while England received the only yellow card of the match.

The final statistics were:

England 0-3 Nigeria

Goals:
8' Tosin Rafiu
47' Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei
73' Mary Mamudu

Attempts: England 12-13 Nigeria
Shots on target: England 7-7 Nigeria
Corners: England 4-8 Nigeria
Offsides: England 3-2 Nigeria
Yellow cards: England 1-0 Nigeria

PLAYER OF THE MATCH | Janet Akekoromowei 🇳🇬

After an outstanding performance against England, talented Nigerian forward Janet Semenyeha Akekoromowei has been named Player of the Match.

She scored Nigeria’s second goal and played a key role in creating the third as the Falconets secured a 3-0 victory over England.

Janet now has 2 goals in 3 games at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

“Na me happy pass.” Janet Akekoromowei reacts after picking up the Player of the Match award.

🧤🇳🇬 NIGERIA CAPTAIN. GOALKEEPER. DIFFERENCE-MAKER.

Christiana Uzoma was outstanding as Nigeria defeated England 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

🧤 Big saves to keep Nigeria ahead
🧤 Saved Rachel Maltby’s penalty
🚫 Kept a clean sheet
🇳🇬 Led the Falconets from the back

That penalty save came at a crucial moment, with Nigeria leading 1-0, and helped preserve their advantage going into half-time..

Two clean sheets in four matches

Nigeria's defensive record is another notable aspect of their campaign.

The Falconets have now played four matches, recording:

• 2 wins

• 1 draw

• 1 defeat

• 13 goals scored

• 2 clean sheets

Their campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before a goalless draw against China PR. Nigeria then exploded into life with a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia, before following it up with a 3-0 win over England.

The latest result means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals across their last two matches, while keeping clean sheets in both games.

Quarter-final awaits

Nigeria's reward for defeating England is a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Colombia.

The quarter-final is scheduled for 20 September 2026 at 2:00 PM WAT at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź.

After overcoming England 3-0, the Falconets will now look to continue their impressive run and secure a place in the semi-finals. For Moses Aduku's young side, the tournament continues.

Nigeria have reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the 9th time.

Previous quarter-final appearances:
🇹🇭 2004
🇷🇺 2006
🇨🇱 2008
🇩🇪 2010
🇯🇵 2012
🇨🇦 2014
🇫🇷 2018
🇨🇷 2022
🇵🇱 2026

🏆 Best finishes: Runners-up in 2010 and 2014.

The Falconets are into the last eight once again! 🇳🇬

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