Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, kicked off their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F match on Monday.
Marisa Garcia gave Spain the lead at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland before Alba Cerrato doubled the advantage in the 72nd minute to earn maximum points for the European side.
The Falconets struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and found it difficult to maintain possession as Spain controlled much of the contest.
Spain take early control
Garcia opened the scoring after finishing past Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma to put Spain ahead.
Nigeria attempted to respond but failed to break through Spain’s defence before half-time.
Spain continued to dominate after the restart, while the Falconets struggled to retain possession and create sustained pressure.
Cerrato eventually extended Spain’s lead in the 72nd minute, finding the net to make it 2-0.
The result handed Spain three points from their opening fixture and left Nigeria needing a positive response in their next match.
China lead Group F
China top Group F with three points and a five-goal difference after thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 in their opening match.
Spain are second with three points and a plus-two goal difference, while Nigeria sit third with a minus-two goal difference. New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-five goal difference.
The Falconets will face China on Thursday at 5pm before concluding their group-stage campaign against New Caledonia on Sunday at 2pm.
Falconets chase first world title
Nigeria have twice reached the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014.
The Falconets are still searching for their first title in the competition and must now secure positive results against China and New Caledonia to keep their campaign alive.