Falconets Roar Past England 3–0, Turn Attention to Colombia World Cup Showdown

Nigeria’s Falconets delivered one of their strongest performances of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, defeating England 3–0 to book a place in the quarter-finals in Poland.

Nigeria took control early when Tosin Rafiu struck in the eighth minute, giving the Falconets the perfect start to the Round-of-16 encounter in Bielsko-Biała.

England were handed an opportunity to equalise before halftime, but Nigerian captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s penalty, preserving the lead.

The Falconets struck again almost immediately after the restart. Janet Akekoromowei made it 2–0 in the 47th minute, before substitute Mary Mamudu completed the victory in the 73rd minute.

The result represents a remarkable turnaround for coach Moses Aduku’s side. Nigeria began the tournament with a 2–0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China before crushing New Caledonia 10–1 to reach the knockout phase.

Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in their last two matches.

Colombia Next

The celebrations are already giving way to preparations for another major test.

The Falconets will face Colombia on Sunday, September 20, at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake. Nigeria are the only African team remaining in the tournament.

Aduku had made his approach clear even before the England game: knockout football requires a different mentality, and his ambition is not merely to reach the latter stages but to challenge for Nigeria’s first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria have twice finished runners-up in the competition, in 2010 and 2014, but have never lifted the trophy.

After dismantling New Caledonia and then shutting out England, the Falconets head into the Colombia encounter with growing confidence. The next assignment will demand the same defensive discipline, clinical finishing and composure that carried them past the Young Lionesses.

Nigeria vs Colombia. One victory away from the World Cup semi-finals.