By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over England on Thursday.
Tosin Rafiu put Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute before Janet Akekoromowei doubled the lead shortly after the restart.
Mary Mamudu then sealed the emphatic win with Nigeria’s third goal in the 73rd minute.
England had a chance to reduce the deficit before half-time after being awarded a penalty, but Falconets captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick to keep Nigeria in control.
The victory sends the Falconets into the last eight of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the Poland and Colombia tie.
The result further strengthens Nigeria’s push for another deep run at the global youth tournament.
