England forward Princess Ademiluyi, who is of Nigerian descent, was consoled by Nigeria’s players and staff after the Falconets defeated the Young Lionesses 3-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Ademiluyi started the match and was one of England’s biggest attacking threats, but Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma produced several important saves to deny her.
Nigeria took the lead in the eighth minute through Tosin Rafiu, who finished after breaking into the England penalty area.
Ademiluyi came close to an equaliser when she was played through by Vera Jones, but Uzoma made a crucial save to deny the England forward. She had another opportunity shortly afterwards, but the Nigerian goalkeeper again stood firm.
England were later awarded a penalty after a VAR review following a foul on Ademiluyi inside the box. However, Rachel Maltby’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Uzoma, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar.
Nigeria went into the break 1-0 ahead before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the lead just two minutes into the second half with a powerful strike.
Mary Mamudu then sealed the victory in the 73rd minute after Akekoromowei won the ball and set her up to score Nigeria’s third goal.
The 3-0 victory sent Nigeria into the quarter-finals, while England’s World Cup campaign came to an end.
After the final whistle, members of the Nigerian team and staff went over to console Ademiluyi, creating a touching moment between the two teams.
Ademiluyi, who plays for Ipswich Town on loan from Gotham FC, had started all four of England’s matches at the tournament and had scored in their 5-1 win over Tanzania.
Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland and Colombia Round of 16 tie in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 20.
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