Spain made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign, beating Nigeria 2-0 in their Group F opener at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland on Monday.
The 2022 champions controlled the match for long periods, with first-half pressure rewarded by Marisa Garcia’s close-range opener before Alba Cerrato added a second in the 73rd minute.
Spain dominated possession from the outset and created the first clear danger after 13 minutes. Noe Bejarano sent a threatening cross into the Nigerian penalty area from the right, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and her defence were unable to deal with the delivery.
Garcia reacted quickest to the mistake, tapping the loose ball into an unguarded net to give Spain the lead.
Nigeria, known as the Falconets, found it difficult to build meaningful attacks against a Spanish side that pressed aggressively and moved the ball patiently. Their best opportunity of the opening period came late in the half, when Kafayat Mafisere tried her luck from distance but sent her effort wide.
The pattern continued after the interval, with Spain retaining control of the tempo and Nigeria struggling to find a route through a well-organised defence. Nigeria attempted to change the momentum through substitutions, bringing on Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky to add energy to their attack.
Spain eventually doubled their advantage 17 minutes from time. A midfield recovery allowed Irune Dorado to move the ball forward to Rosalia Dominguez, who then created the opening for Cerrato. The Fiorentina forward finished confidently at the near post, beating Uzoma to make it 2-0.
Spain coach David Aznar said securing victory in the opening match was important.
“Winning the first match at a tournament of this level is always positive because it means that your destiny remains in your own hands,” he noted.
Nigeria showed determination but could not produce the final pass or finish required to trouble Spain consistently. Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky were both shown yellow cards during the match.
The result places China PR at the top of Group F after their 5-0 victory over New Caledonia earlier on Monday. Spain are second on goal difference, while Nigeria sit third and face an important second group fixture.
Spain will play New Caledonia on Thursday, while Nigeria meet China PR on the same day. The Falconets, who have finished as runners-up twice in this competition, need a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Spain’s possession-based approach and efficient finishing have given the 2022 champions an encouraging start in Poland, although the Group F race remains open as the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup continues.
The match was covered by 88.9 FM’s Home Stretch with Eva, Timothy and Dimachuku. The report was written by Adebanjo Ogunseye, an experienced sports journalist covering Nigerian and African sports for Brila Media.