Nigeria’s Falconets opened their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a 2-0 defeat to former champions Spain at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland on Monday evening, Trybal News reports.
The Spanish side, champions at the 2022 edition, made a fast start and were rewarded for their early pressure when Marisa Garcia broke the deadlock in the 13th minute.
Garcia showed composure inside the penalty area to beat Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and give Spain an early advantage.
The Falconets, however, did not allow the early setback to derail their efforts. Moses Aduku’s side gradually settled into the contest and created opportunities in search of an equaliser, but Spain’s organised defence stood firm to preserve their lead going into the interval.
Nigeria returned from the break with greater attacking intent and enjoyed spells of control as they pushed Spain deeper into their half. The Falconets generated several attempts but were unable to beat Spanish goalkeeper Lopez, who produced a confident display to keep her team in front.
With Nigeria committing more players forward in pursuit of an equaliser, Spain found space to exploit on the counter-attack.
Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Alba Cerrato finished beyond Uzoma to double Spain’s advantage and put the European side firmly in control.
The Falconets continued to battle until the final whistle but could not find a way through Spain’s well-organised backline, leaving Nigeria to begin their campaign without a point.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria showed promising moments during the encounter, particularly after the interval, but were ultimately punished for their inability to convert their opportunities and Spain’s efficiency in front of goal.
The result leaves the Falconets needing a positive response in their next Group F fixture.
Nigeria will face China PR on Thursday, September 10, with Aduku’s side looking to secure their first points of the tournament and revive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
