Falconets face England in last-16 test at U-20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku says the Falconets are ready to overcome England and keep their hopes of winning the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alive when the teams meet in the Round of 16 in Bielsko-Biala on Thursday.

England reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B with four points, behind group winners Brazil. Their progress has set up a difficult last-16 tie against a Nigeria side that recovered strongly after a disappointing opening to the tournament.

The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain before being held to a goalless draw by China. They secured their place in the last 16 in emphatic fashion, however, defeating tournament debutants New Caledonia 10-1 in their final group match.

That result provided a significant boost to Nigeria’s goal difference and confidence, although Aduku acknowledged that his team still have defensive problems to resolve before facing England.

“We’re really happy with the goals we scored today. We wanted to get through to the last 16, and we’ve shown that we can do it,” Aduku told FIFA.

“We’ve shipped a few too many goals in this tournament so far, so we’ll be looking to shore things up at the back.”

The coach said the emphatic victory demonstrated the team’s ability to respond after the setbacks against Spain and China, but accepted that the standard of opposition will rise in the knockout stages.

England came through a group containing Brazil and finished with four points, making them a formidable opponent for the Falconets. Nigeria must now produce another strong performance if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.

Aduku expects a demanding contest but believes his players understand what is required if they are to remain in contention for the title.

“It’s going to be a tough test,” he said.

“If you want to be crowned champions, you’ve got to win every game. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Nigeria’s route to the knockout stage has therefore included a defeat, a draw and a convincing win. Their meeting with England will be the first opportunity for the Falconets to show whether the momentum created by the 10-1 victory can carry them through the tournament’s decisive phase.

The match in Bielsko-Biala represents a straight fight for a place in the last eight, with Aduku’s side seeking to combine their attacking improvement with greater defensive discipline.