Falconets Thrash England 3-0 To Storm U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s Falconets have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after recording an impressive 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday, September 17.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu were on target as Moses Aduku’s side produced a dominant display to eliminate England’s Young Lionesses from the competition.

Nigeria took control of the encounter as early as the seventh minute when Rafiu capitalised on a pass and fired a low left-footed effort beyond England goalkeeper Katie Cox to give the Falconets the lead.

England had an opportunity to restore parity before the interval after being awarded a penalty. However, Falconets captain Christina Uzoma came to Nigeria’s rescue with an important save to preserve her team’s advantage going into the break.

The Falconets continued their strong performance after the restart and doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half. Akekoromowei took advantage of a poor clearance following an England corner before controlling the loose ball and finishing with a left-footed strike.

Nigeria completed the victory in the 72nd minute when substitute Mary Mamudu raced into the England penalty area and calmly converted a cutback from Akekoromowei.

Akekoromowei, who scored her second goal of the tournament during the encounter, was subsequently named Player of the Match in recognition of her influential performance.

Following the final whistle, the English Football Association congratulated Nigeria through the Lionesses’ official social media account, acknowledging the Falconets after England’s campaign came to an end.

The victory sends Nigeria into the final eight of the tournament, where the Falconets are scheduled to face either Poland or Colombia in Lodz on Sunday, September 20.