Falconets Thrash England 3-0 To Reach FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s Falconets continued their impressive run at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over England to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target as Nigeria produced an outstanding all-round performance against the European side.

Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a superb individual effort that could emerge as one of the goals of the tournament.

The Nigeria midfielder drove down the left flank before cutting inside and weaving her way through the England defence, eventually firing past goalkeeper Katie Cox.

England had opportunities to get back into the contest, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma proved decisive.

Uzoma produced a brilliant X-block save to deny England forward Princess Ademiluyi before making an even bigger intervention from the penalty spot.

The Nigerian goalkeeper kept out Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick, pushing the ball onto the crossbar and out of danger.

The Falconets then doubled their advantage two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei produced a composed left-footed volley to make it 2-0.

Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute to seal a thoroughly deserved victory for Nigeria.

Akekoromowei was subsequently named the Visa Player of the Match.

The victory continues Nigeria’s impressive history at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and sends the Falconets into the quarter-finals.

Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland-Colombia tie in the quarter-finals in Lodz on Sunday.