Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday.

Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu sealed an emphatic knockout victory for Moses Aduku’s side at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

Nigeria took the lead in the eighth minute when Rafiu broke through England’s defence and found the net to give the Falconets an early advantage.

England pushed for an equaliser and came close through Princess Ademiluyi, but Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made an important save to protect the lead.

Uzoma then produced one of the decisive moments of the match when England were awarded a penalty.

The Nigerian goalkeeper denied Rachel Maltby from the spot, keeping the Falconets 1-0 ahead as they went into half-time.

Nigeria doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.

Akekoromowei struck in the 47th minute, finishing with her left foot after England failed to properly clear the danger, leaving the Young Lionesses with a two-goal deficit.

England attempted to respond, but the Falconets remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.

Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, converting Akekoromowei’s cutback to put Nigeria 3-0 ahead and effectively end England’s hopes of progressing.

The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for Nigeria after a difficult beginning to the tournament.

The Falconets opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China PR. They then produced a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to finish second in the group and qualify for the knockout stage.

Thursday’s win means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in four matches at the competition, with two victories, one draw and one defeat.

The Falconets, who finished runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010 and 2014, are still searching for their first title at the competition.

Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland versus Colombia Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals. The NFF had confirmed that pathway ahead of the England game.

FIFA’s official tournament schedule places that quarter-final on Sunday, September 20, at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.

The Falconets will now turn their attention to that last-eight encounter as they continue their push for a place in the semi-finals.