Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, battled to a 0-0 draw against China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday evening.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side started brightly and created the first clear opportunity in the 17th minute through Janet Akekoromowei. The Falconets grew into the game as the half progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei went close again in the 38th minute and during first-half added time.
China also threatened before the break, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma remained composed as the Falconets’ defence held firm to ensure the teams went into halftime level.
China made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing on Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitution gave the Asians added impetus, with Chen, Xue and Huang all registering attempts on goal.
The Falconets responded with urgency, with Precious Oscar going close in the 54th minute, while Mafisere threatened in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also came close in the 58th minute as Nigeria searched for the breakthrough.
Nigeria thought they had been handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Both teams continued to push for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal as the tightly contested encounter ended goalless. The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two matches in Group F.
Aduku’s side will now turn their attention to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź, where they must secure a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
