2026 U-20 WWC: England coach Bedford disappointed after loss to Falconets

England U-20 women’s head coach Lydia Bedford has expressed disappointment after her team’s loss to Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.

The Young Lionesses were eliminated from the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Nigeria in their Round of 16 encounter in Bielsko-Biala.

Nigeria took an early lead through midfielder Tosin Rafiu.

Falconets goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma then kept her side in the game with a brilliant save from England forward Princess Ademiluyi.

Uzoma followed that up with a penalty stop from the in-form Rachel Maltby, pushing the ball on to the bar, and out to safety.

Bedford confessed his side couldn’t cope with the direct play and physical strength of their opponent.

“I think it’s been a fantastic tournament, we’ve enjoyed being part of it but disappointed to be going home at this stage.,” Bedford was quoted by FIFA.com.

“Nigeria’s forwards were very effective in being direct and physical and I think that was something that perhaps we struggled to compete with at times.”