Nigeria’s Falconets have secured their passage into the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following a dominant 10-1 defeat of New Caledonia at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, Poland.
Nigeria were dominant from the start in an impressive triumph, leading 4-0 at half-time before adding six more goals after the break. GeographicReference
Ramotalahi Kareem slotted home from the spot in the 17th minute before Rebecca Adegbemile extended Nigeria’s lead two minutes later.
Seimeyeha Akekoromowei scored the third goal in the 23rd minute and Kareem added her second in the 27th minute.
The Falconets kept up their furious offensive display after the intermission.
Kareem finished her hat-trick in the 64th minute while the winner, David scored in the 60th and 75th minute.
Tosin Rafiu scored Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute and Adegbemile got her second in the 74th minute.
David then rounded out her hat-trick with Nigeria’s 10th goal in the 90th minute.
Joceline Kourevi scored a late consolation for New Caledonia in the 89th minute but it did not change the outcome as Nigeria cruised to a comfortable win.
The result takes the Falconets to second in Group F, and guarantees them a place in the round of 16.
The Falconets kept their hopes alive for a place in the knockout stage of the competition as they played a goalless draw with China at the Arena Sosnowiec last Thursday.
The match earned Nigeria their first point of Group F after their 2-0 loss to Spain in their opening game
The Falconets had chances against China but failed to convert any of their chances as both sides settled for a share of the points.
China came into the contest after a 5-0 win over New Caledonia.
Spain are top of the table on nine points and have already secured a place in the Round of 16.
The Europeans began the competition with a 2-0 win over Nigeria before achieving one of the largest triumphs in the history of the tournament.
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