Nigeria’s Falconets played out a 0-0 draw with China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday.
The game, played at the Arena Sosnowiec, saw both teams create chances but neither side was able to score.
The Falconets started well and came close to taking the lead in the 17th minute through Janet Akekoromowei.
Nigeria continued to press as the first half went on, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute. Akekoromowei also had two more chances before the break, but China’s defence held firm.
China also had opportunities, with Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan testing the Nigerian defence. However, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made important saves to keep the score level at half-time.
China made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitute helped the Chinese side create more attacking pressure.
The Falconets responded with chances 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 after a VAR review.
Both teams continued to search for a winning goal, but neither could find the breakthrough before the final whistle.
The draw leaves Nigeria with one point from two matches in Group F.
The Falconets will play their final group game against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź, knowing they need a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
