By Opeyemi Adelakun
Nigeria’s Falconets produced a stunning attacking display in Poland on Sunday, demolishing New Caledonia 10-1 to book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The emphatic victory in their final Group F fixture lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches and secured second place behind unbeaten Spain, who topped the group with nine points.
Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David were the stars of the rout, scoring three goals each, while Rebecca Adegbemile added two.
Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu completed Nigeria’s scoring.
Kareem set the tone in the 17th minute when she converted from the penalty spot before Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes later.
Akekoromowei extended the lead in the 23rd minute, while Kareem struck again four minutes later as the Falconets went into half-time with a commanding 4-0 advantage.
David was introduced at the beginning of the second half and made an immediate impact, scoring Nigeria’s fifth goal in the 60th minute.
Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later to make it 6-0 before Rafiu added another in the 70th minute.
Adegbemile then scored her second of the match seven minutes later.
David took over the scoring duties in the closing stages, finding the net twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and take Nigeria’s tally to 10.
New Caledonia managed to score a consolation goal in the 89th minute through Joceline Kourevi.
The result proved decisive in the battle for second place in Group F.
Nigeria and China both finished with four points, but the Falconets progressed because of their superior goal difference after China suffered a 3-1 defeat to group winners Spain.
The Falconets had begun their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.
Moses Aduku’s side will now advance to the Round of 16, continuing Nigeria’s pursuit of a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
The Falconets have previously reached the final of the competition twice.
Under the tournament qualification format, the top two teams in each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout rounds.
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