Women’s U-20 World Cup: Nigeria stun England 3-0 to reach quarter-finals

The Falconets defeated England 3-0 in their round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.

Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu stunned the Young Lionesses as the Falconets produced a blistering performance at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała to reach the final eight of the competition.Nigeria had squeezed into the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F following a massive 10-1 victory over New Caledonia, and they were rewarded with a showdown with an English team struggling to find form.The Falconets made most of their advantage and scored their first goal in the eighth minute. Rafiu stole the ball up the pitch before driving into the English goal area by herself and, with a bit of trickery, found the space to slot the ball low into the corner.

Christiana Uzoma made multiple saves to keep Falconets in the lead. Her most important intervention was saving a penalty kick from Rachel Maltby in the first half.Shortly after the break, Nigeria doubled their advantage. Akekoromowei smashed in a half-volley after the English defence failed to clear a corner kick properly.The third goal came from another English defensive howler. Akekoromowei stole the ball at the byline before squaring a pass into the box, and Mamudu slid the ball into the net to complete the shocking victory.

Nigeria will face either Poland or Colombia in the quarter-final on Sunday.