Nigeria’s Falconets stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after hammering England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday.
The Nigerian girls delivered a commanding performance at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, with Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu getting the goals.
Rafiu fired Nigeria in front after just eight minutes, capitalising on the Falconets’ bright start.
England were handed a golden opportunity to level from the penalty spot in the first half.
But captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma stood tall, saving Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick to keep Nigeria ahead.
The Falconets held on to their 1-0 lead into the break.
Two minutes after the restart, Akekoromowei struck again.
The goal stunned England and put Nigeria firmly in command.
England pushed for a way back, but the Falconets refused to surrender their grip on the game.
Mamudu then delivered the killer blow in the 73rd minute, making it 3-0 and effectively ending England’s hopes.
The emphatic victory booked Moses Aduku’s side a place in the last eight.
It also continued the Falconets’ remarkable turnaround in Poland.
Nigeria failed to score in their opening two group matches, losing 2-0 to Spain before a goalless draw against China.
But the Falconets exploded into life in their final group game, crushing New Caledonia 10-1 to reach the knockout stage.
They followed that demolition job by sending England packing.
The victory means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches.
The Falconets, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they chase a first-ever title.
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