Abuja: Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, played out a goalless draw with China in their second Group F match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday. The match, held at the Arena Sosnowiec, saw both teams create numerous chances but ultimately fail to score.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed the result in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. Coach Moses Aduku’s team began the match brightly, with Janet Akekoromowei crafting Nigeria’s first clear opportunity in the 17th minute. The Falconets gradually took control, with Kafayat Mafisere securing a corner in the 33rd minute, while Akekoromowei came close again in the 38th minute and during added time in the first half.
China posed their own threats before the break, as players Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi, and Song Lijuan tested the Nigerian defense with attempts on goal. Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma remained vigilant, helping the Falconets maintain a clean sheet as the first half concluded 0-0.
In the second half, China substituted Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei to bolster their attack, which seemed to increase their offensive efforts with Chen, Xue, and Huang all attempting shots on goal. Nigeria responded with urgency, as Precious Oscar came close in the 54th minute, and Mafisere had attempts in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also narrowly missed in the 58th minute.
The Falconets appeared to have a chance to score in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, the decision was overturned following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. Both teams continued their search for a goal in the closing stages, but neither succeeded, with the match ending 0-0.
NAN reports that the result places Spain at the top of Group F with six points and a 13-goal difference, while China is in second position with four points and a plus-five goal difference. Nigeria is third with one point and a minus-two goal difference, and New Caledonia is at the bottom with a minus-16 goal difference. The Falconets will face New Caledonia in their final group match on Sunday in L³dz, where they need a positive result to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Nigeria is grouped with Spain, China, and New Caledonia in Group F. On Thursday, North Korea defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Spain triumphed over New Caledonia with an 11-0 scoreline, and Colombia drew 0-0 with Portugal.
NAN recalls that the Falconets have reached the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in the 2010 and 2014 editions. They continue to seek their first title in the competition. The 2026 edition began on September 5 and is set to conclude on September 27 in Poland.