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 on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes into the second half.

Mary Mamudu completed the victory in the 73rd minute at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

England had a chance to level the score in the first half after being awarded a penalty, but Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s effort to keep the Falconets ahead at the break.

Akekoromowei then struck shortly after the restart to put Nigeria 2-0 up, before Mamudu sealed the win with 17 minutes remaining.

The result sends Moses Aduku’s side into the last eight of the competition.

Nigeria reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F with four points. The Falconets lost 2-0 to Spain in their opening match, drew 0-0 with China and then produced a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to secure qualification.

The emphatic win over England means Nigeria have scored 13 goals in their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two group games.

The Falconets, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now continue their pursuit of a first title in the quarter-finals.