The Falconets draw goalless with China and keep U-20 World Cup hopes alive

Nigeria’s Falconets held China PR to a goalless draw in their second Group F match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland on Thursday, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

In the match at the Arena Sosnowiec, both teams created chances, but neither could find the breakthrough as the Falconets secured their first point of the tournament following their opening day loss to Spain. Nigeria had lost 2-0 to the former champions in their first match.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side started brightly, with Janet Akekoromowei creating Nigeria’s first clear chance in the 17th minute.

The Falconets gradually built their way into the match, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei went close again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time.

China also threatened before the break, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence, while Xue Sifan produced dangerous set pieces.

Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma stood tall when called upon, helping the Falconets keep a clean sheet as both teams headed into the break.

China made an attacking change at the start of the second half, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei, and the substitution gave the Asian team an additional boost.

Chen, Xue and Huang tried to break the deadlock, but Nigeria continued to create opportunities of their own.

Precious Oscar, Mafisere and Queen Joseph all came close as the Falconets responded with greater urgency, but the finishing touch remained elusive.

Nigeria thought they had been given a great opportunity to take the lead in the 74th minute after being awarded a penalty. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review, leaving the match goalless.

Both teams continued to search for a winner in the final minutes, but neither could find the decisive goal.

The draw leaves Nigeria with one point from two Group F matches, while China remains in contention at the top of the group after their opening 5-0 win over New Caledonia.

The Falconets will now face New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13 in their final group match. The match is scheduled for Łódź and Nigeria needs a positive result to bolster their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

The result represents an improvement on the initial loss to Spain, but Aduku and his players know they must finish the group stage strong.

After falling to China, the Falconets now have their fate partly in their own hands as they prepare for their decisive final group match.

One point gained, one match left: the Falconets must now finish the job against New Caledonia.