Nigeria’s Falconets will face England on Thursday in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. Nigerian time at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.
Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage after their biggest victory in the tournament's history, winning 10-1 against New Caledonia in their final Group F game on Sunday.
This result placed the Falconets second in Group F with four points, behind Spain, and made Nigeria the only African team to advance to the Round of 16.
Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner Onajite David both scored hat tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile scored twice. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also scored.
The win was a major boost after Nigeria started the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Spain and then played to a 0-0 draw against China.
England also finished second in their group with four points.
The Young Lionesses opened with a 1-1 draw against Canada, beat Tanzania 5-1, and lost 2-1 to Brazil.
Nigeria coach Moses Aduku expects his team to carry the confidence from their victory over New Caledonia into a much tougher knockout stage.
The Falconets have reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup twice, finishing as runners-up to Germany in 2010 and 2014.
They are aiming to advance beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018.
NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme praised the team after their win against New Caledonia.
“They showed the true Nigeria spirit and overcame the odds when it mattered most,” Ikpeme said.
He encouraged the players to “sustain the win-mentality and go all the way.”
A victory over England would send the Falconets into the quarterfinals, where they would face the winner of Thursday’s match between Poland and Colombia.
Post a Comment