2026 U-20 WWC: England Underrated Falconets – Aduku

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has claimed that England underestimated Nigeria during their Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria produced an impressive performance to defeat the Young Lionesses 3-0 and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring for the Falconets, while Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu also found the net to complete the convincing victory.

Captain Christianah Uzoma also played a key role in the win, making an excellent penalty save to deny England and help Nigeria maintain their advantage.

“The English team is a very good side and I think they underrated us, they never believed that we could play up to this level. But I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting,” Aduku told FIFA.

The coach has now urged his players to remain focused as they prepare for their quarter-final match, insisting that the victory over England must be put behind them.

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“[After the game] I told the players, this game is gone, let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play so let’s focus on the next [one],” he added.