By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, played out a goalless draw with China in their second Group F match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The match was played at the Arena Sosnowiec, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed the result in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side started brightly, with Janet Akekoromowei creating Nigeria’s first clear opportunity in the 17th minute.
The Falconets gradually took control of the encounter, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute, while Akekoromowei came close again in the 38th minute and during added time in the first half.
China also threatened before the break, as Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan tested the Nigerian defence with efforts on goal.
Xue Sifan also delivered two dangerous corners, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma remained alert to help the Falconets keep a clean sheet as the first half ended 0-0.
China made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei in an attempt to add more attacking impetus.
The substitution appeared to have the desired effect, as Chen, Xue and Huang all registered attempts on goal.
Nigeria, however, responded with renewed urgency, with Precious Oscar going close in the 54th minute, while Mafisere had efforts in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also came close in the 58th minute.
The Falconets appeared to have been handed an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty.
The decision was, however, overturned following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Both teams continued to search for a goal in the closing stages, but neither could find the breakthrough as the encounter ended 0-0.
NAN reports that the result leaves Spain at the top of Group F with six points and 13-goal difference, while China dropped to second position with four points and plus five goal difference.
While Nigeria occupy third position with a point and minus-two goal difference and New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-16 goal difference.
The Falconets will face New Caledonia by 2 p.m. in their final group match on Sunday, in Lódź, where they will need a positive result to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Nigeria is drawn alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F.
In other matches played on Thursday, North Korea defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Spain beat New Caledonia, 11-0, while Colombia drew Portugal 0-0.
NAN recalls that Falconets have reached the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014 editions.
They are still searching for their first title in the competition.
The 2026 edition commenced on Sept. 5 and is expected to end on Sept. 27 in Poland.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne