FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets fall 2-0 to Spain

Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, began their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain on Monday.
The Falconets suffered the defeat in their opening Group F Matchday one at the Arena Sosnowiec, in Poland.
Nigeria faced a difficult task against a Spanish side that continued to control proceedings as they took the lead in the 13th minute.
 ​‌‍‌‌‍⁠⁠‌‍‍​‍⁠‌⁠⁠‌​
Marisa Garcia slotted past goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma to put Spain 1-0 lead.
The Falconets attempted to respond but could not find a way through Spain’s defence before the half time .
On resumption of the second half, Spain continued to dominate, with the Falconets struggling to retain possession as the falconets goalkeeper ,Christiana Uzoma does not have a strong grip on ball.
Spain eventually extended their advantage in the 72nd minute when Alba Cerrato found the net to make it 2-0.
The game ended 2-0 giving Spain to secure maximum three points from their opening fixture.
Nigeria is drawn alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia in Group F. 
Following the result, China PR lead Group F with three points and a five goal difference  after their 5-0 victory over New Caledonia.
Spain are second with three points and plus two goal difference, while Nigeria occupy third position with a minus-two goal difference.
New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-five goal difference.
The Falconets will next face China PR on  Thursday at 5 p.m., before rounding off their group-stage campaign against New Caledonia on Sunday at 2 p.m.
In other matches played on Monday, North Korea defeated Portugal 2-0, while Costa Rica lost to Colombia  1-3 and China beat New Caledonia ,5-0.
The Falconets have reached the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014. They are still searching for their first title in the competition.