Falconets head coach Moses Aduku believes England underestimated his side during their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 clash.
Nigeria secured a commanding 3-0 victory over the Young Lionesses to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either hosts Poland or Colombia.
Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu scored for Nigeria, while captain Christianah Uzoma saved a penalty to deny England.
Aduku said the Falconets surprised their opponents by raising their performance when it mattered most.
“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,” the coach told FIFA.
With the quarter-finals ahead, Aduku has urged his players to put the victory behind them and maintain their focus.
“[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.
