U20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Dismantle England, Cements Quarter Final Place

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria tore England to shreds in the round of 16 of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Falconets dominated the encounter to drive a massive 3-0 win against the Young Lionesses at the Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biala, Poland.

Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were on the score sheet in the historic Nigeria win at the U20 World showpiece.

It took only eight minute midfielder, Rafiu to drive her way into the 18 meter box and fired a left footed strike to give Nigeria a lead.

England momentum build up after conceding an early goal as they took the driver’s seat of the game while creating numerous chances.

The Young Lionesses striker, Princess Ademiluyi was a handful for Nigeria’s defenders to get hold of as her pace and physicality made her a tough nut to crack.

Ademiluyi provided a lifeline for England as she was brought down in the 18 meter box and through a lengthy VAR review, the center referee awarded a penalty to the English side. Rachel Maltby’s effort from six yard was eventually saved by Nigeria’s shot stopper, Christiana Uzoma.

Two minutes into the second half, Akekoromowei doubled the Falconets lead with a smooth finish.

The Moses Aduku tutored side became more confident in the game with composed distribution of passes in the second half.

Substitute, Mamudu rounded up Nigeria’s impressive performance with a fantastic goal in the 73rd minute.

The Falconets qualify to the quarter final after missing out in the last edition of the tournament.

Nigeria have scored 13 goals in four matches at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, while recording two clean sheets against China and England.