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Friday, September 18, 2026

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England World Cup hopes ended by Nigeria

England 0 Nigeria 3

England women's Under-20s' 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup campaign came to an end in the last sixteen following a 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in Bielsko-Biala.

Tosin Rafiu's early opener, plus second half strikes from Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu proved enough for Nigeria, who advance to the quarter finals. The Young Lionesses created numerous chances, particularly in the first half, but were left to rue Rachel Maltby's missed penalty just after the half hour mark – Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma tipping her spot kick onto the bar.

Nigeria took the lead after just eight minutes when Rafiu intercepted an errant English pass high up the pitch, drove into the box and slotted past Katie Cox from a narrow angle. England almost responded immediately, but Princess Ademiluyi could only stretch to put Maltby's dangerous cross narrowly wide.

The contest became increasingly open, with both sides trading chances. Uzoma produced a brilliant save with her feet to deny Ademiluyi after the forward had evaded multiple defenders and the goalkeeper was equal to her near post effort a minute later. At the other end, Cox tipped Precious Oscar's effort behind for a corner.

England were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when Ademiluyi was fouled in the box by Rebecca Adegbemile. The decision was initially not given but was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. However, this time Maltby was unable to capitalise, her penalty impressively tipped onto the bar by Uzoma.

Further English pressure followed before the break. Lola Brown found space in behind and rounded Uzoma, but her effort was crowded out by the resolute Nigerian defence. Lily Dent then headed into the side netting from a free kick as Nigeria took their 1-0 lead into half time.

Nigeria doubled their advantage almost immediately after the restart, Akekoromowei smashing home after a corner was not properly cleared. England pushed for a way back into the tie, but Nigeria remained a threat on the counter, substitute Mamudu racing through only to be denied by an excellent recovery tackle from Chloe Sarwie.

Brown saw her half volleyed effort well saved by Uzoma after the initial cross had been fumbled, and Nigeria netted their third just a minute later. Akekoromowei robbed the English defence from their own throw in before squaring for Mamudu to strike into an empty net.

Oscar almost added a fourth ten minutes from time, but the onrushing Cox saved well with her feet. The result brings England's time in Poland to an end, while Nigeria progress to face either Poland or Colombia in the last eight.

England Under-20: Katie Cox, Ria Bose (sub Jessie Gale 85mins), Chloe Sarwie, May Cruft, Zara Shaw, Princess Ademiluyi, Lola Brown (sub Chloe B Hylton 75mins), Vera Jones (sub Eleanor Klinger 85mins), Rachel Maltby (sub Layla Drury 75mins), Lucy Newell, Lily Dent (sub Vivienne Lia 45mins). Subs not used: Cecily Wellesley-Smith, Kaiya Jota, Eva Hendle, Sacha Lewis, Eve Annets.  

Nigeria: Christiana Uzoma, Favour Nkwocha (sub Victory Lucky 79mins), Onyedikachi Ekezie, Jumai Adebayo, Ramotalahi Kareem (sub Mary Mamudu 61mins), Kafayat Mafisere, Tosin Rafiu, Rebecca Adegbemile, Precious Oscar (sub Winner David 85mins), Tumininu Adeshina, Janet Akekoromowei (sub Folajomi Olabiyi 85mins). Subs not used: Queen Joseph, Chisom Nwachukwu, Jane Ijirigho, Amber Ogbolu, Hannah Ibrahim, Bright Effiong Etim.