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.
Originally published by NotJustOk.