The Falconets produced a stunning upset at Bielsko-Biała Stadium, Poland, beating England 3-0 to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.
Tosin Rafiu set the tone early, curling a composed finish into the net in the eighth minute after a clever run into the box. England threatened a response but were repeatedly denied by Falconets keeper Christiana Uzoma, who kept her side ahead with several sharp saves.
England were handed a rare lifeline in the 35th minute with a penalty, but Uzoma got a strong hand to the spot-kick, diverting it onto the post and then collecting the rebound to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
The Falconets struck again immediately after halftime. In the 47th minute, a corner dropped to Janet Akekoromowei, who expertly drove a left-footed finish home to make it 2-0 and put England on the back foot.
Substitute Mary Mamadu capped the victory in the 73rd minute. Akekoromowei bullied her marker and squared the ball into the box for Mamadu to slot home a calm, clinical finish and seal the win.
Organised and disciplined throughout, the Falconets frustrated an experienced England side and took their chances with ruthless efficiency. Uzoma’s penalty stop and multiple saves were decisive, while Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mamadu delivered when it mattered most.
The result sends Nigeria into the quarter-finals, where the Falconets will look to carry this momentum forward.
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