Nigeria’s U20 women, the Falconets, thrashed England’s Young Lionesses 3-0 on Thursday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The two-time World Cup silver medallists dominated the contest in Bielsko-Biala and sealed a convincing victory through goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu.
The Falconets made a fast start and were rewarded in the eighth minute when Rafiu broke the deadlock with a composed finish after sustained Nigerian pressure. Ramotalahi Kareem and Precious Oscar had earlier tested the English defence.
England attempted to respond through Lily Dent, Princess Ademiluyi and Rachel Maltby, but Nigeria’s defence held firm.
England were awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the 33rd minute, but Falconets goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced an outstanding save to deny Maltby from six yards.
Uzoma was particularly impressive in the first half, making six saves as Nigeria dealt with England’s attacking threat and Ademiluyi’s physical presence.
The Falconets went into the break with their 1-0 lead intact.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei fired home in the 47th minute, leaving England facing an uphill battle.
The Young Lionesses responded with tactical changes but struggled to break down a well-organised Nigerian midfield and defence.
The substitute completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, converting Oscar’s assist to put the Falconets 3-0 ahead.
England introduced Chloe Hylton, Layla Drury, Eleanor Klinger and Jessie Gale in an attempt to salvage the contest, but Nigeria remained composed and controlled the closing stages.
Late substitutions, including Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite David and Folajomi Olabiyi, helped the Falconets maintain their intensity until the final whistle.
England pushed for a consolation goal but were repeatedly caught offside as Nigeria’s disciplined defence secured a clean sheet.
The Falconets will face either hosts Poland or Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday at the Wladyslaw Król Municipal Stadium in Lódz.
Aduku hails players’ response
Aduku praised his players for responding to the challenge after a motivational conference call with the NFF leadership.
‘We are very happy with this victory. The girls had a very motivating conference call with the NFF Acting General Secretary on Wednesday night, and they promised to go all out today. I am happy they did that,’ Aduku said.
‘We will go back to Lódz and aim for victory against either Poland or Colombia on Sunday.’
NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, described the result as a major achievement and backed the team to continue its pursuit of the title.
‘This win is a great feat by the Falconets. We are delighted with the dominant performance, and we will continue to encourage and motivate the girls until they go all the way to clinch the trophy,’ Ikpeme said.