Nigeria’s Falconets produced an impressive performance to beat England’s Young Lionesses 3 0 and book their place in the quarter finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The two time World Cup silver medallists started strongly in Bielsko Biala and took the lead in the eighth minute. Tosin Rafiu calmly finished an early opportunity after Nigeria had applied pressure on the English defence.
Ramotalahi Kareem and Precious Oscar also threatened as the Falconets continued to look dangerous going forward.
England struggled to find a way through Nigeria’s defence despite efforts from Lily Dent, Princess Ademiluyi and Rachel Maltby. Their best chance came in the 33rd minute after a VAR review resulted in a penalty.
However, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma kept Nigeria in front with an excellent save from Maltby’s effort from close range. Uzoma was one of Nigeria’s standout players in the opening half, making six important saves as the defence worked hard to contain England’s attack.
Nigeria went into the break with a 1 0 advantage and returned from the interval determined to extend their lead.
Just two minutes into the second half, Janet Akekoromowei found the net to make it 2 0 and put England under even greater pressure.
England responded by making changes, but Nigeria remained organised in midfield and limited their opponents to few clear chances.
Coach Moses Aduku’s substitutions later paid off when Mary Mamudu came on for Kareem in the 61st minute. Twelve minutes later, Mamudu received a pass from Precious Oscar and calmly finished to give the Falconets a commanding 3 0 lead.
England brought on Chloe Hylton, Layla Drury, Eleanor Klinger and Jessie Gale in an attempt to change the game, but Nigeria remained composed until the final whistle.
The Falconets also introduced Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi late in the match as they maintained their intensity and protected their advantage.
England continued searching for a consolation goal, but Nigeria’s disciplined defence stood firm, while several attacking moves were stopped by offside calls.
Nigeria will now face Colombia in the quarter finals on Sunday at the Władyław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź. The match is scheduled for 2pm Nigerian time.
Aduku praised his players after the victory, saying their determination followed a motivating conference call with the NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, on Wednesday night.
“We are very happy with this victory. The girls promised to go all out today and I am happy they did that,” the coach said.
Ikpeme also congratulated the team, describing the result as a great achievement and expressing the federation’s continued support as the Falconets pursue the title.
