Nigeria’s Falconets suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F match in Poland.
Spain took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García, who finished a well-worked move to put the European side ahead. Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances as Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
The Spanish side doubled its advantage in the 73rd minute, with Alba Cerrato finding the back of the net to seal all three points for the former champions.
The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their next Group F fixture against China, before they face New Caledonia. The Falconets have previously reached the U-20 Women’s World Cup final twice, in 2010 and 2014.
The defeat means the Falconets must now quickly regroup ahead of their next Group F fixture. With more matches still to come, Nigeria will need a much-improved attacking performance if they are to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.
Despite the setback, Nigeria have a strong history in the competition and have twice reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup. The young Nigerian side will therefore be hoping to bounce back strongly in their next match and put themselves in contention for qualification.