Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mamudu Score as Nigeria Cruise Into Last Eight in Poland
Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to 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.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu scored for Nigeria in a dominant performance that kept Africa’s hopes alive in the tournament.
Nigeria took the lead after eight minutes at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała when Rafiu produced an individual effort, beating her marker from the left before firing past England goalkeeper Katie Cox.
England responded with increased possession and created opportunities, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma kept the Falconets ahead with crucial saves.
Uzoma denied England forward Princess Ademiluyi before making another important stop from the penalty spot, pushing Rachel Maltby’s effort onto the bar.
Nigeria went into the break with their lead intact and doubled it just two minutes into the second half through Akekoromowei, who finished with a left-footed volley.
England pushed for a comeback, but the Falconets continued to create dangerous chances, with Mamudu sealing the victory in the 73rd minute.
The result completes a strong turnaround for Nigeria, who opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China.
The Falconets secured their knockout-stage place with a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final group match, finishing second in Group F with four points.
Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland-Colombia Round of 16 tie in Lodz on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals.