Falconets draw goalless with China at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, Falconets, earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against China PR in their second Group F match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland on Thursday night. The match was played at the Arena Sosnowiec.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side started with intent and created the first clear chance through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute. The Falconets got involved in the game as the half progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute and Akekoromowei going close again in the 38th and in added time of the first period, to see Nigeria end the first half on the front foot.

China also posed a threat before the break. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan tested the Nigerian defense with shots on goal, while Xue Sifan launched two dangerous corner kicks. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was up to the task as the Falconets defense held firm to keep the score level at halftime.

The second half began with China PR making a tactical change, introducing Chen Ruilin in place of Xiao Yafei. The substitution gave the Asians momentum, with Chen, Xue and Huang all recording attempts on goal. The Falconets responded with urgency. Queen Joseph (in the 58th minute), Mafisere (in the 56th and 60th minutes) and Precious Oscar (in the 54th minute) came close.

Nigeria thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Both teams continued to press until the final whistle, but neither could find a breakthrough in a very close match.

The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two games in Group F. Coach Aduku’s side will now turn their attention to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13 in Lódź as they battle to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep Nigeria’s campaign at the world tournament alive.