Nigeria causes a sensation at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and qualifies for the quarter-finals

Moses Aduku’s side secured a convincing 3-0 victory over England on Thursday 17 September in the round of 16.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team have completely turned their campaign around at the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Poland. After a difficult start marked by a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the group stage, the Falconets have fully regained their form.

In the round of 16 against England, the Nigerian side were in fine form. Moses Aduku’s girls dominated the English team throughout the match. Tosin Rafiu put the Nigerians ahead in the first half, finding the back of the net in the 8th minute to make it 1–0.

But the Falconets sealed their qualification in the second half. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the lead in the 47th minute to make it 2–0, before Mary Mamudu sealed Nigeria’s victory in the 73rd minute with a third goal. The Falconets gave their opponents no chance right up until the final whistle.

As Africa’s sole representative at this stage of the competition, Nigeria have thus secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Poland.