Nigeria’s Falconets will face England on Thursday in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with both teams battling for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Falconets are Africa’s only remaining representative in the competition after Tanzania, Ghana and Benin Republic were eliminated.

Moses Aduku’s side secured their place in the last 16 after thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture at the weekend.

Nigeria finished second in the group with four points from three matches, following a defeat to Spain, a draw with China and a win over New Caledonia.

England also finished second in Group B behind Brazil, level with Canada on four points, goal difference and goals scored.

The two sides will meet at Bielsko-Biała on Thursday afternoon.

Nigeria last faced England at the 2014 edition in Canada, where the Falconets secured a 2-1 victory in a Group C encounter, with Loveth Ayila and Asisat Oshoala scoring for Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview, Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi said the Falconets have a realistic chance of defeating England and reaching the quarter-finals, following their improvement after the opening defeat to Spain.

“The Falconets improved by every game after their shambolic display against Spain in the group opener; they have improved thereafter,” Fabunmi said.

He, however, warned that Nigeria must strengthen its defence and improve in goalkeeping to overcome England.

“However, England will be another litmus test for them. Do they stand a chance? Yes, they do, but they need to improve in the goalkeeping department and tighten their defence.

“If this is done, then I can boldly say that the Falconets will make it to the quarter-final,” he said.