2026 U-20 WWC: Falconets, China share spoils in thrilling contest

Nigeria’s Falconets battled to a goalless draw against China in their second Group F match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Moses Aduku’s side produced a determined and disciplined performance to put their opening-day 2-0 defeat to Spain behind them and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

China, buoyed by their emphatic 5-0 victory over tournament debutants New Caledonia on Monday, started brightly and applied early pressure on the Falconets’ defence.

Nigeria gradually settled into the contest, however, and began creating opportunities of their own as the game progressed.

The Falconets thought they had been handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty with 16 minutes remaining.

However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Neither side could find the breakthrough as the match ended 0-0, leaving Nigeria with one point from two games.

The Falconets will face New Caledonia in their final group game on Sunday, knowing they need a victory to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Spain currently leads Group F with six points, followed by China on four points, while Nigeria sit third with one point.