England 0-3 Nigeria: Falconets cruise into World Cup quarter-finals

Nigeria’s Falconets booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in style on Thursday, defeating England 3-0 in a commanding round-of-16 performance.

Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria an early lead in the eighth minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament after the FC Robo Queens midfielder finished off Nigeria’s bright start.

England came close to an equaliser in the 26th minute, but Falconets captain Christiana Uzoma produced an important save to deny Princess Ademiluyi.

Uzoma was called into action again eight minutes later and delivered an even bigger intervention, saving Rachel Maltby’s penalty to preserve Nigeria’s advantage.

The Falconets took their 1-0 lead into half-time, with Uzoma’s heroics proving crucial as England struggled to find a way through.

Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei struck in the 47th minute.

The goal put the Falconets firmly in control and they continued to threaten as England searched for a route back into the contest.

Mary Mamudu then sealed Nigeria’s emphatic victory in the 73rd minute, making it 3-0 and sending the Falconets into the last eight.

The result is Nigeria’s second victory at the tournament and extends their impressive scoring record to 13 goals in four matches.

The Falconets have recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, while keeping two clean sheets.

Their quarter-final opponents will be either Poland or Colombia, with the last-eight fixture scheduled for 20 September at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nigerian time.

The victory over England also provides a significant boost for the Falconets as they continue their campaign in search of a deep run at the global tournament.

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Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini