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 B fixture.
Spain took control of the game early, with Marisa García breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute to give the European champions an early advantage.
The Falconets battled to get back into the contest but struggled to find the breakthrough as Spain maintained their defensive shape and threatened on the counter.
Spain eventually doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when substitute Alba Cerrato found the back of the net to seal a 2-0 victory.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in their bid to progress from the group stage.
The Falconets will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face China on Wednesday in their next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup fixture.
