Falconets Crush England 3-0, Storm Into U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

NIGERIA’S Falconets reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over England on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute. The FC Robo Queens midfielder finished Nigeria’s bright start with her second goal of the tournament.

England pushed for an equaliser but found Christiana Uzoma in inspired form. The Falconets captain denied Princess Ademiluyi in the 26th minute.

Eight minutes later, Uzoma produced an even bigger moment. She saved Rachel Maltby’s penalty to preserve Nigeria’s lead.

As a result, the Falconets went into the break 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria returned from half-time with greater purpose. Just two minutes after the restart, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage with a 47th-minute strike.

England struggled to respond as the Falconets maintained control.

Mary Mamudu then completed the victory in the 73rd minute. Her goal made it 3-0 and secured Nigeria’s place in the last eight.

The result gives the Falconets their second win of the tournament. They have now scored 13 goals in four matches.

Nigeria have also recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, while keeping two clean sheets.

The Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals after the South Americans eliminated hosts Poland. The match is scheduled for Sunday 20 September in Łódź.

Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. Nigerian time.

With England now behind them, Nigeria will turn their attention to the next challenge as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup trophy.