FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Aduku believes England Underestimated Falconets In 3-0 Win

Nigeria coach Moses Aduku believes England underestimated the Falconets before their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final victory, insisting his side had already shown during the group stage that they were capable of competing at the highest level.

The Falconets produced one of their most impressive performances of the tournament, defeating England 3-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on target as Nigeria dominated the European side and extended their impressive record at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Rafiu opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a superb individual effort, driving down the left before cutting inside and weaving through the England defence to fire past goalkeeper Katie Cox.

England had opportunities to respond, but Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was outstanding, producing a brilliant X-block save to deny Princess Ademiluyi before making an even bigger intervention from the penalty spot.

Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick, pushing the effort onto the crossbar and out of danger.

Nigeria doubled their lead two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei produced a composed left-footed volley, before Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute.

Akekoromowei was subsequently named the Visa Player of the Match.

Speaking after the victory, Aduku suggested England did not expect the Falconets to match their level.

‘The English team is a very good side and I think they underrated us, they never believed that we could play up to this level,’ Aduku said.

The Nigerian coach, however, was quick to shift his players’ attention towards the next challenge, warning them against becoming carried away by the emphatic victory.

‘But I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting,’ he added. ‘After the game I told the players, this game is gone, let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play so let’s focus on the next one.’

England coach Lydia Bedford acknowledged Nigeria’s effectiveness while expressing disappointment at her team’s exit from the tournament.

‘Nigeria’s forwards were very effective in being direct and physical and I think that was something that perhaps we struggled to compete with at times,’ Bedford said.

Despite the defeat, Bedford said the tournament would provide valuable experience for her young players as they progress towards senior international football.

‘I think this experience will be extremely important to them as they move into their senior careers and hopefully push towards either [Serena Wiegman’s] squad in Brazil next year or work with me in the U-23s going forward,’ she added.

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