Nigeria’s Falconets have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after producing a commanding 3-0 victory over England.
The Nigerian side controlled the contest and extended their impressive scoring record to 13 goals in four matches, while recording their second win of the tournament.
Tosin Rafiu put Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute, giving the Falconets an early advantage and setting the tone for a dominant display.
Nigeria survived a major scare before half-time when England were awarded a penalty. Captain Christiana Uzoma came to the rescue, saving Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick to ensure the Falconets went into the break with their lead intact.
Falconets pull away after the break
Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei found the net to make it 2-0.
The Falconets continued to press for a third goal and were eventually rewarded in the 73rd minute, with Mary Mamudu completing the scoring.
The emphatic result means Nigeria have now recorded two victories, one draw and one defeat at the tournament, while keeping two clean sheets.
Quarter-final awaits
The Falconets will return to action on September 20, when they face either Poland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.
The match is scheduled to take place at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź, with kick-off set for 6:30pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria’s latest victory further strengthens the Falconets’ challenge at the tournament, with the team now within two wins of reaching the final.
