Spain beat Nigeria to make winning start at U20 Women’s World Cup

Spain defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the opening round of Group F at the U20 Women’s World Cup, leaving the Falconets with a difficult start to their campaign.

The Spanish side established control early in the match on Monday, 7 September 2026, and took the lead in the 13th minute. Garcia finished an impressive opening spell for Spain by putting the ball beyond the Nigerian defence and giving her team an early advantage.

Nigeria were placed under sustained pressure during the opening stages as Spain made the stronger start. The Falconets were unable to prevent their opponents from turning that early momentum into the first goal, and they went into half-time trailing 1-0.

The deficit left Nigeria needing a response after the interval, but the Falconets could not produce enough to change the direction of the match. Spain continued to protect its advantage, while Nigeria struggled to find a way back into the contest.

Spain eventually added a second goal in the 73rd minute. Cerrato scored to give the European side a two-goal lead and make the task facing Nigeria even more difficult.

The second goal effectively ended the Falconets’ hopes of recovering a result from their opening fixture. Although Nigeria continued to push during the closing stages, its efforts did not lead to a goal and Spain held on to complete a 2-0 victory.

The result gives Spain the ideal start in Group F and puts the team in a strong position after the first round of matches. Garcia’s early goal provided the foundation for the win, while Cerrato’s second-half strike ensured there would be no late revival from Nigeria.

For the Falconets, the defeat means they must respond quickly in their next Group F fixture. Nigeria were unable to turn their efforts in the final stages into a comeback, and their opening-day loss leaves them needing an improved performance in their next match.

Spain, by contrast, can take confidence from a disciplined display that combined an early breakthrough with a decisive second goal. The 2-0 scoreline reflects a match in which the Spanish side made the better start, maintained its advantage after the break and finished the contest by extending its lead.

The opening result therefore sends Spain forward with three points from its first match, while Nigeria must lift themselves after a disappointing beginning to their U20 Women’s World Cup campaign.