U20WWC: Falconets lose 2–0 to Spain in opener

Nigeria U20 women's national team, the Falconets, lost 2–0 to Spain in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on Monday, www.aclsports.com reports. Marisa Garcia put Spain ahead in the 13th minute at the Arena Sosnowiec after the Falconets failed to clear their lines inside the box. Substitute Alba Cerrato doubled Spain's advantage in the 73rd minute after Spain worked the ball into the Nigerian box with a series of neat passes, before finishing at the near post. Head coach Moses Aduku started Christiana Uzoma in goal, with Onyedikachi Ekezie, Jumai Adebayo and Tumininu Adeshina in defence. Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Tosin Rafiu and Rebecca Adegbemile formed the midfield, while Queen Joseph, Folajomi Olabiyi and Mary Mamudu led the attack. Spain controlled much of the first half and went into the break 1–0 ahead. Aduku introduced Victory Lucky and Precious Oscar at half-time, with Oscar coming close to reducing the deficit but firing wide. Chisom Nwachukwu and Ramotalahi Kareem were later brought on, but Spain remained in control to see out the win. In the other Group F fixture, China defeated debutants New Caledonia 5–0 to move top of the group. The Falconets will face China in their second group match on Thursday, September 10. Image: FIFA