By SCM Sports Desk I Thursday, Sept 10, 2026
NIGERIA’S Under-20 women suffered late VAR heartbreak in Poland as a crucial penalty was chalked off in a tense 0-0 draw against China PR.
Coach Moses Aduku’s Falconets dominated large periods of the Group F clash at the Arena Sosnowiec, but were forced to settle for a point after video technology overturned a 74th-minute spot-kick decision.
Nigeria started brightly, with forward Janet Akekoromowei carving out the first clear opening after 17 minutes before threatening twice more before the break. Kafayat Mafisere also forced a corner as the West Africans finished the first period on the front foot.
At the other end, Nigerian stopper Christiana Uzoma stood tall to deny dangerous attempts from Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi, and Song Lijuan as China pressed before halftime.
China introduced substitute Chen Ruilin at the break to inject fresh dynamic energy, sparking chances for Chen, Xue Sifan, and Huang. But Nigeria responded in kind, with Precious Oscar, Joseph Queen, and Mafisere all going close in a frantic second-half spell.
The game’s defining moment arrived 16 minutes from time when the referee pointed to the spot for a Nigerian penalty—only for the decision to be agonizingly reversed following a VAR consultation.
The result leaves Nigeria with one point from two Group F fixtures. The Falconets now travel to Łódź for a must-win final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, to secure safe passage to the knockout stages.
