FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Nigeria's Falconets Open With Defeat to Spain

Nigeria's Falconets began their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their Group F opener on Monday.

Spain took control early at Stadion Sosnowiec when Marisa García scored in the 13th minute. Nigeria tried to respond but struggled to break through a well-organized Spanish defense, which held its advantage into the second half.

Alba Cerrato doubled Spain's lead in the 73rd minute, putting the result beyond Nigeria's reach. The Falconets will next face China on Wednesday, Sept. 10, before meeting New Caledonia. Both matches now carry greater importance as Nigeria tries to recover from the setback and advance from Group F.

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Cup final

Nigeria arrived in Poland after an extensive preparation period. Head coach Moses Aduku had framed the opener as a “Cup final” and urged his players to give the match their maximum commitment. “We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side, no doubt, but we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win,” Aduku said.

Nigeria has finished runner-up at the competition in 2010 and 2014. Spain won the 2022 edition and finished second in 2018.

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We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side, no doubt, but we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win.