Young Lionesses underrated Falconets – Aduku

Nigeria's U-20 women's team coach, Moses Aduku, believes that England underestimated his team prior to their 3-0 defeat by the Falconets in the round of 16 match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. The Falconets, who advanced as runners-up in Group F, went on to reach the knockout stage, while England topped Group F.

Early in the match, Nigeria's Tosin Rafiu scored the opening goal, followed by contributions from Ramotalahi Kareem and Precious Oscar. England responded through Lily Dent, Princess Ademiluyi, and Rachel Maltby, but Nigeria's defense held strong. A VAR review in the 33rd minute momentarily threatened to turn the tide in England's favor, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby's penalty to maintain Nigeria's lead.

Uzoma continued to make crucial saves, and Nigeria extended their lead with Janet Akekoromowei's goal in the 47th minute. Mary Mamudu came on in the 61st minute and helped secure the victory with a goal in the 73rd minute. Aduku expressed his appreciation for the result but cautioned his players not to get too caught up in the moment. He emphasized that the World Cup had only just begun and urged the team to focus on the upcoming match.

The Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, with the match set to take place at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, with kick-off at 2pm Nigeria time.