FALCONETS DEMOLISH NEW CALEDONIA 10-1, STORM INTO U-20 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGE

Nigeria’s Falconets produced a stunning attacking display on Sunday, crushing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture to book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Needing a strong result to keep their tournament hopes alive, Moses Aduku’s side delivered in emphatic fashion, scoring 10 goals to finish second in the group on four points and advance to the Round of 16.

Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David stole the show with hat-tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile scored twice. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also got on the scoresheet as Nigeria unleashed wave after wave of attacks.

Kareem opened the floodgates from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s advantage just two minutes later.

Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, while Kareem added her second four minutes later as the Falconets went into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.

David, introduced at the start of the second half, continued the onslaught by scoring Nigeria’s fifth in the 60th minute. Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later before Rafiu made it 7-0 in the 70th minute.

Adegbemile added her second in the 77th minute, while David struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and take Nigeria into double figures.

New Caledonia eventually found a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but it did little to alter the outcome of a one-sided encounter.

The emphatic victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches, finishing second behind Spain, who topped Group F with nine points.

China also ended the group stage with four points after a 3-1 defeat to Spain, but Nigeria secured second place ahead of the Asian side on goal difference.

The Falconets had begun their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance ahead of the final group fixture.

Their emphatic victory over New Caledonia, however, changed the equation completely.

Nigeria, two-time finalists at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their pursuit of a maiden world title.

Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams progress to the knockout rounds.