W’Cup: Falconets face anxious wait after China draw - Punch Newspapers
Nigeria’s Falconets were held to a goalless draw by China in their second Group F game at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance, The PUNCH reports. The result leaves Nigeria with one point from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain. The Falconets, who must now win their final group game against New Caledonia to strengthen their chances of progressing, remain third in the group behind Spain and China. Spain lead the group with six points and a goal difference of plus 13, following their emphatic 11-0 demolition of New Caledonia, while China have four points and a plus-five goal difference. Nigeria, meanwhile, have one point and a minus-two goal difference, while New Caledonia have no points and a -16 goal difference. Despite the disappointing draw, the Falconets are still in contention for a place in the round of 16. Nigeria can finish second in Group F if results on the final matchday go their way, particularly if Spain beat China. They could also advance as one of the four best third-placed teams across the six groups. W’Cup: Falconets face anxious wait after China draw Bellew tips Itauma to win Hrgovic rematch Atlanta ‘96 Eagles stars headline Lagos legends match The draw against China also means the Falconets cannot afford another slip-up, with their qualification hopes now dependent on both their final result and the outcome of the Spain-China encounter. Meanwhile, Spain booked their place in the knockout stages for a fifth consecutive tournament after recording the biggest win of the 2026 competition so far. La Rojita thrashed debutants New Caledonia 11-0, surpassing Argentina’s 8-0 victory over Benin as the highest winning margin in Poland. The result also equalled the tournament’s biggest-ever winning margin, matching France’s 11-0 victory over Fiji in 2024. Celia Segura scored four goals to move joint-top of the adidas Golden Boot standings, while Pau Comendador and Marisa Garcia both scored twice. Alba Cerrato, Carla Julia and Rosalia Dominguez completed Spain’s rout as the European champions confirmed their place in the knockout stages. Nigeria will face New Caledonia in the last group game on Sunday. Abiodun Adewale Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
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