Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, were held to a goalless draw by China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The encounter, played at Arena Sosnowiec, saw both sides create opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock.
The Falconets started strongly and created their first clear opportunity in the 17th minute when Janet Akekoromowei threatened the Chinese defence.
Nigeria continued to grow in confidence as the match progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute before Akekoromowei came close again in the 38th minute and during stoppage time.
China also had moments of danger before the interval, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and the Nigerian defence remained resolute to ensure the teams went into the break level.
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China made an attacking change at the start of the second half, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitute immediately added more attacking impetus, with Chen, Xue Sifan and Huang Jiaxin testing the Nigerian defence.
The Falconets responded with attacking pressure of their own, as Precious Oscar, Queen Joseph and Mafisere all came close to breaking the deadlock.
Nigeria appeared to have been awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Despite late efforts from both teams, neither could find the decisive goal, with the match ending 0-0.
The result leaves Nigeria with one point from two Group F matches, but their hopes of reaching the knockout stage remain alive.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side will play New Caledonia in their final group match on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź, knowing that a positive result could secure their passage to the next round.
