Young Lionesses Knocked Out of the U20 Women’s World Cup

The Young Lionesses lost 3-0 to Nigeria in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Nigeria took an early lead through Tosin Rafiu, who intercepted a loose pass and advanced to beat goalkeeper Katie Cox from a tight angle.

Rachel Maltby’s cross was narrowly missed by Princess Ademiluyi, who was later denied by Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma.

When Ademiluyi won a penalty after a VAR review, Maltby’s spot kick was tipped onto the bar by Uzoma.

Janet Akekoromowei doubled the lead after a corner was not cleared and later set up Mary Mamudu to seal the victory.

England WU20 Head coach Lydia Bedford told englandfootball.com: “We’re obviously incredibly disappointed to lose. We felt we had a really good chance going into the game, and the players have been really building towards this moment.

“To concede really early in the game, you’re looking for a response, and I think everybody watching that game will know how much our players gave in the first half to try and create, time after time, more opportunities to get that equaliser. So really proud of that.”

Round of 16:
Argentina 0−1 South Korea
Brazil 1–1 (aet) United States (Brazil won 5-4 on pens)
Italy 1–1 (aet) China (Italy won 5-4 on pens)
Spain 2–0 Portugal
France 1-3 Canada
England 0-3 Nigeria
North Korea 2-0 Japan
Poland 0-1 Colombia

Quarter-finals: (All live on FIFA+ and DAZN)
19 September 2026
South Korea v Italy (2pm BST)
Brazil v Spain (2pm BST)
20 September 2026
Nigeria v Colombia (2pm BST)
North Korea v Canada (2pm BST)