Nigeria’s Falconets have secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup after producing a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F match in Poland on Sunday.
The emphatic victory proved decisive for Nigeria, lifting the Falconets to four points from three matches and securing second place in Group F behind Spain.
Nigeria needed a strong result after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening match and playing out a goalless draw with China. The Falconets delivered in spectacular fashion, scoring ten goals to finish ahead of China on goal difference.
The result also highlighted Nigeria’s attacking strength, with two hat-tricks and a brace among the goals.
Ramotalahi Kareem led the charge with a hat-trick, while substitute Winner David also scored three times after coming on at the start of the second half.
Rebecca Adegbemile added a brace, while Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu completed Nigeria’s scoring.
Kareem opened the floodgates from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled the advantage two minutes later.
Akekoromowei added a third in the 23rd minute, while Kareem struck again in the 27th minute to give Nigeria a commanding 4-0 lead at half-time.
David then announced her arrival in the second half with Nigeria’s fifth goal in the 60th minute, before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.
Rafiu made it seven in the 70th minute, with Adegbemile completing her brace seven minutes later.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David completed her own hat-trick to help seal Nigeria’s remarkable 10-1 triumph.
The victory was particularly important because China also finished on four points after losing 3-1 to Spain. Nigeria advanced ahead of the Chinese side on goal difference.
Spain topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.
The Falconets’ progression continues Nigeria’s strong tradition at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. The team has reached the final twice in the history of the competition and will now have another opportunity to push deeper into the tournament.
With the group-stage hurdle successfully cleared, attention now turns to the Round of 16, where the Falconets will face england as they look to build on their emphatic victory and continue their pursuit of a first-ever world title.
For Moses Aduku’s side, the message from the final group game is clear: Nigeria are through, confident and firing on all cylinders.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
