Nigeria’s Falconets played out a goalless draw with China in their second Group F fixture of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland on Thursday.
The Falconets entered the encounter hoping to recover from their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game. However, they came up against a confident China side fresh from their emphatic 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in their first match.
Head coach Moses Aduku named a strong starting lineup as Nigeria searched for their first win of the tournament, with Benfica striker Janet Akekoromowei selected to lead the line after missing the opening fixture against Spain.
Despite their efforts to claim all three points, the Falconets struggled to break down a resolute Chinese defence in the first half. China also created opportunities to open the scoring but failed to make their chances count.
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The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams pushing for the breakthrough but neither able to find the decisive goal. Nigeria made their first substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Ramotalahi Kareem for Precious Oscar.
The change, however, did little to alter the course of the contest as the deadlock remained intact.
Aduku made a final change in the 90th minute, introducing Chisom Nwachukwu for Queen Joseph as Nigeria searched for a late winner. Neither side could find the breakthrough, with both eventually settling for a share of the points.
The result leaves Nigeria third in Group F with one point, while China move to second with four points. Spain have taken top spot after an emphatic 11-0 victory over New Caledonia, a result which also secured their passage to the knockout stages.
The Falconets will face New Caledonia in their final group game on Sunday, September 13, knowing that victory could give them a chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. China will face Spain at the same time, with a point enough to secure their place in the next round.
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