2026 U-20 WWC: Falconets lose 2-0 to Spain in Group F opener

Nigeria’s Falconets began their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after losing 2-0 to Spain in their Group F opener on Monday.

The Nigerian side, who arrived in Poland after an extensive period of preparation, struggled to break down the former champions at the Stadion Sosnowiec.

Spain made a fast start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García, putting the Falconets under early pressure.

Nigeria attempted to respond but found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organised Spanish defence.

The European side maintained its advantage into the second half as the Falconets struggled to find a way back into the contest.

Spain eventually doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Alba Cerrato found the back of the net to put the result beyond Nigeria.

The defeat means the Falconets will need to quickly recover as they prepare for their second Group F fixture against China on Wednesday, September 10.

Head coach Moses Aduku had earlier described the opening clash with Spain as a “Cup final” and urged his players to give everything in pursuit of victory.

“We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side, no doubt, but we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win,” Aduku said before the match.

With the opening-day defeat, Nigeria’s remaining group games against China and New Caledonia have become even more important as the Falconets seek to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Nigeria are among Africa’s most successful teams at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014.

Spain, meanwhile, are also one of the competition’s leading sides. They won the tournament in 2022 and finished runners-up in 2018.

The Falconets will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s encounter with China, where they will be looking to claim their first points of the tournament and revive their hopes of progressing from Group F.

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