Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, held China to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in their second Group F match of the ongoing 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The match at Arena Sosnowiec saw both sides create chances, but neither could find the breakthrough as Nigeria remained in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side started brightly and created the first clear opportunity through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute.
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Nigeria continued to threaten, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei went close again in the 38th minute and during first-half stoppage time.
China also threatened before the break, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence. Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and the Falconets’ defence held firm to keep the scores level at halftime.
China made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitution gave the Asian side added impetus, with Chen, Xue and Huang all registering attempts.
Nigeria responded with increased urgency, as Precious Oscar, Queen Joseph and Mafisere went close in the second half.
The Falconets thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute after being awarded a penalty, but it was overturned following a VAR review.
Both teams continued to push for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock before the final whistle.
The draw leaves Nigeria with one point from two Group F matches. The Falconets will face New Caledonia in their final group game on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź, knowing a positive result could be crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
