Nigeria’s Falconets have allerated to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 10–1 victory over New Caledonia at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, in Poland. The emphatic victory secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage and saw the Falconets finish second in Group F.
The smashing victor saw Nigeria dominate from the opening stages, taking a 4–0 lead into half-time before adding six more goals after the break.
Ramotalahi Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Rebecca Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes later.
Seimeyeha Akekoromowei made it 3–0 in the 23rd minute, with Kareem adding her second in the 27th minute.
The Falconets continued their relentless attacking display after the interval.
Winner David scored in the 60th and 75th minutes, while Kareem completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute.
Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute, and Adegbemile scored her second in the 74th.
David then completed her hat-trick with Nigeria’s 10th goal in the 90th minute.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but it did little to alter the outcome as Nigeria closed out a comprehensive victory.
The result lifts the Falconets to second place in Group F and secures their place in the Round of 16. Nigeria finished the group stage with four points from three matches.
The Falconets kept their hope for a place in the knockout stage of the tournament alive after playing out a goalless draw with China at Arena Sosnowiec last Thursday.
The result earned Nigeria their first point in Group F, following their 2–0 defeat to Spain in their opening game.
The Falconets created opportunities against China but were unable to convert any of their chances as both sides settled for a share of the points.
China entered the encounter on the back of a 5–0 victory over New Caledonia.
Spain lead the standings on nine points and have already booked their place in the Round of 16.
The European side opened the competition with a 2–0 victory over Nigeria before recording one of the biggest wins in the tournament’s history.
