​’They underrated us’ – Falconets coach Aduku says after Nigeria knock out England from Women’s U-20 World Cup

​Aduku, however, insisted that despite thrashing the English girls 3-0, they are “a very good side”.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has traced his team’s thumping of England in the Round of 16 clash of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to their opponents’ failure to take his girls seriously.

​He made this known on Thursday while speaking to the FIFA website after the intriguing knockout stage encounter.

​Nigeria defeated the Young Lionesses 3-0 to seal a place in the quarter-finals, where they will meet either hosts Poland or Colombia.

​Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei, and substitute Mary Mamudu were on target for the Falconets in the game.

​During the match, captain Christianah Uzoma also made a superb save from the penalty spot to deny the Europeans a goal.

​ALSO READ: Falconets spank England 3-0, cruise to Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

​Reacting to his team’s comfortable victory, Aduku noted that the Falconets won the game convincingly because they raised the level of their game.

​While acknowledging that they faced a good team, he also suggested that the English ladies and their coach probably underestimated the West African nation’s ability.

​The Nigerian tactician said: “The English team is a very good side and I think they underrated us; they never believed that we could play up to this level. But I said after the group stage that the World Cup is just starting.”

​Meanwhile, ahead of his team’s quarter-final clash, Aduku said it is important for his players to stay focused on the task ahead.

​”[After the game] I told the players, this game is gone, let’s have a short celebration because we have the next game to play, so let’s focus on the next [one],” he added.