Nigeria’s Falconets were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against China on Thursday, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup hanging in the balance.
The Group F encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec produced several opportunities for both sides, but neither team could find the decisive finish. The result leaves Nigeria third in the group with one point from two matches.
China, meanwhile, moved to four points and second place, while Spain remained top with six points and a superior 13-goal difference. New Caledonia occupy the bottom position with a minus-16 goal difference.
The Falconets started the contest positively, with Janet Akekoromowei creating Nigeria’s first clear chance in the 17th minute. Kafayat Mafisere then won a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei came close again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time.
China also threatened before the interval through Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma remained alert, however, helping her side go into the break with the scores level.
China introduced Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei at the beginning of the second half, and the substitute immediately added more attacking threat. Chen, Xue and Huang all attempted to break the deadlock.
Nigeria responded with a series of opportunities of their own. Precious Oscar went close in the 54th minute, while Mafisere tested China twice in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also had an opportunity in the 58th minute.
The Falconets appeared to have their best chance in the 74th minute when a penalty was awarded, but the decision was overturned following a Video Assistant Referee review.
Neither side could produce a winner in the closing stages, with the game ending goalless.
The result was confirmed by Nigeria Football Federation Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja.
Coach Moses Aduku’s team will now face bottom-placed New Caledonia at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Lódź. A victory would significantly improve Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The Falconets are seeking their first U-20 Women’s World Cup title after finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. The 2026 tournament began on September 5 and will run until September 27 in Poland.
Elsewhere on Thursday, North Korea defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Spain thrashed New Caledonia 11-0, while Colombia and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw.
