FALCONETS STORM INTO U-20 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGE WITH 10-1 ROUT

Nigeria’s Falconets have secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after producing a dominant 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F match in Poland. The emphatic result lifted Nigeria to second place in the group with four points and ensured their progress to the Round of 16. 

Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner Onajite David were the stars of the commanding performance, with both players scoring hat-tricks. Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Tosin Rafiu was fouled, before Rebecca Adegbemile and Janet Akekoromowei added further goals. Kareem then completed her treble after the break, while David also found the net three times. 

Adegbemile scored twice in the match, while Rafiu also got on the scoresheet with a long-range effort as Nigeria continued to punish the New Caledonia defence. The Pacific Islanders managed a consolation goal through Kourevi, but it did little to change the outcome as the Falconets completed their biggest victory of the tournament so far.

The result was particularly important after Nigeria began the competition with a 2-0 defeat to Spain and followed that with a 0-0 draw against China. Spain finished top of Group F after beating China 3-1, while Nigeria’s huge winning margin gave them the goal difference advantage needed to finish ahead of China in second place. 

Nigeria will now face England in the Round of 16 on Thursday as the Falconets look to build on their impressive recovery and make another deep run in the competition. The team, coached by Moses Aduku, have previously reached the U-20 Women’s World Cup final twice and will hope their emphatic victory over New Caledonia can provide the momentum for another memorable campaign.