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 against China and a win over New Caledonia.
England, meanwhile, finished second in Group B behind Brazil, level with Canada on four points, goal difference and goals scored.
The two sides last met at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, where the Falconets secured a 2-1 victory in a Group C encounter, with Loveth Ayila and Asisat Oshoala scoring for Nigeria.
Ahead of Thursday’s clash, Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi said the Falconets have a realistic chance of beating England and advancing to the quarter-finals.
“The Falconets improved by every game after their shambolic display against Spain in the group opener; they have improved thereafter,” Fabunmi said.
“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.
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