Nigeria opens U20 WWC with 2-0 loss to Spain

Nigeria's Falconets began their FIFA U20 Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Spain on Monday evening in Poland. The match, held at the Sosnowiec stadium, saw the Nigerian team struggle to contain the Spanish side, who secured their victory with goals in each half. Spain took the lead in the 13th minute when Marisa Garcia found the back of the net. The European U19 champions maintained possession and created opportunities, with Garcia's goal coming from a cutback pass into the box. Nigeria managed only one shot on target in the first half and, despite changes at halftime, found it difficult to penetrate Spain's organized defense. The second goal came in the 73rd minute, with Alba Cerrato doubling Spain's advantage. Cerrato received a pass inside the box and slotted the ball past Nigeria's goalkeeper, Christiana Uzoma. Head coach Moses Aduku acknowledged his team's performance fell short of expectations. "We did not come to the party today, we did not play," Aduku was quoted as saying. He expressed confidence that the team would improve in their upcoming matches, stating, "We have two more games to play, we will get it right.