The Falconets gradually gained control, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute, while Akekoromowei threatened again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time
By Njoku Vincent
Nigeria’s Falconets played out a goalless draw with China in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The encounter, played at Arena Sosnowiec, saw both teams create scoring opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough.
The Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, confirmed 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 chance in the 17th minute.
The Falconets gradually gained control, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute, while Akekoromowei threatened again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time.
China also created opportunities before the interval, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was particularly alert, dealing with two dangerous corners from Xue Sifan to ensure Nigeria went into the break with a clean sheet.
China introduced Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei at the start of the second half as they sought to strengthen their attack.
The substitute immediately added impetus, with Chen, Xue and Huang registering attempts on goal.
Nigeria responded with a series of attacks, as Precious Oscar came close in the 54th minute, while Mafisere had efforts in the 56th and 60th minutes. Queen Joseph also threatened in the 58th minute.
The Falconets appeared to have a major opportunity to take the lead in the 74th minute after being awarded a penalty.
However, the decision was overturned following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the closing stages, with the match ending 0-0.
The result leaves Spain top of Group F with six points and a plus-13 goal difference. China are second with four points and a plus-five goal difference, while Nigeria sit third with one point and a minus-two goal difference. New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-16 goal difference.
The Falconets will take on New Caledonia at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Łódź in their final group match. Nigeria will need a positive result to strengthen its chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Other matches played on Thursday saw North Korea defeat Costa Rica 4-0, Spain thrash New Caledonia 11-0, while Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw.
The Falconets have twice reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014, but are still searching for their first title.
The 2026 tournament began on Sept. 5 and is scheduled to end on Sept. 27 in Poland.