Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have returned to Abuja after their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Bold Sports reports.
NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, alongside members of the NFF management, welcomed the team on Monday night.
The Falconets reached the quarter-finals after a difficult start in Poland. They lost 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F game before drawing 0-0 with China PR. Nigeria then responded with a 10-1 win over New Caledonia and followed it with a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.
Nigeria fought through the knockout rounds
The win over New Caledonia proved decisive for Nigeria’s progress. The Falconets scored ten goals in their final group match and finished second in Group F with four points. They then carried that momentum into the knockout stage against England.
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Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring against England, while Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s lead early in the second half. Mary Mamudu completed the 3-0 victory in the 73rd minute. Akekoromowei also earned the Player of the Match award after scoring and providing an assist.
That result sent Moses Aduku’s side into the quarter-finals. Nigeria faced Colombia on Sunday, September 20, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Late Colombia goal ends World Cup journey
The Falconets produced a disciplined display against Colombia and created opportunities before the decisive moment. Janet Akekoromowei came close in the first half when her effort struck the crossbar.
Nigeria then suffered a major setback in the 78th minute when Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card. The Falconets continued to compete despite playing with ten players.
Colombia eventually broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time. Valerin Loboa followed up after Christiana Uzoma saved her first effort and scored the rebound to secure a 1-0 victory.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals. However, the Falconets had remained Africa’s only team in the competition after the group stage and reached the final eight before their elimination.
The Falconets have now returned home after completing their 2026 World Cup campaign, with their quarter-final appearance adding another chapter to Nigeria’s long-standing record at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
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