‘They underrated us’ – Nigeria’s Super Falconents coach speaks after kicking England out of U-20 World Cup

Super Falconets head coach Moses Aduku believes England’s Young Lionesses paid the price for underestimating Nigeria before their emphatic 3-0 defeat at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Nigeria produced a commanding performance on Thursday to eliminate England and book their place in the quarter-finals, with Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mercy Mamudu finding the net.

Aduku said England’s failure to appreciate the quality of his team contributed to their heavy defeat, insisting Nigeria had shown during the tournament that they were capable of competing at the highest level.

“The English team is a very good side, and I think they underrated us; they never believed that we could play up to this level,” the tactician said.

The Falconets made a fast start in Lodz, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Rafiu.

The forward raced onto a well-weighted pass before keeping her composure to beat the England goalkeeper with a low left-footed finish.

England had an opportunity to respond before the break, but Nigeria captain Christina Uzoma produced an outstanding penalty save late in the first half to ensure her side carried a 1-0 advantage into the interval.

Falconets turn screw after break

Nigeria returned from the break with renewed purpose and doubled their advantage just three minutes into the second half.

Akekoromowei capitalised on a poor clearance from an England corner, firing the loose ball into the net to put the Falconets firmly in control.

England struggled to recover as Nigeria continued to threaten on the counter, while Aduku’s side remained disciplined in their approach.

The victory was sealed in the 72nd minute when substitute Mercy Mamudu finished from Akekoromowei’s cutback, completing a convincing 3-0 win and sending Nigeria into the last eight.

The result reinforces Aduku’s belief that his team has grown into the tournament after the group stage.

“But I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting,” he said.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they will meet either hosts Poland or Colombia in Lodz on Sunday, September 20.

Aduku demands focus

Despite the significance of the victory over England, Aduku has urged his players to quickly move on as they continue their pursuit of the world title.

The Falconets coach wants his team to enjoy the achievement briefly before shifting their attention to the next challenge, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

“(After the game) I told the players, this game is gone. Let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play, so let’s focus on the next one.”

Nigeria’s 3-0 triumph gives them momentum heading into the knockout stages, but Aduku knows the competition will become increasingly difficult as the tournament progresses.

With either Poland or Colombia standing between the Falconets and the semi-finals, Nigeria will hope their emphatic victory over England marks the beginning of a deeper run in Poland.