Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after producing a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia on Sunday.
The emphatic win at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź was Nigeria’s biggest victory of the tournament so far and secured second place in Group F.
The Falconets turned on the style particularly in the second half, with Winner Onajite David leading the charge with a hat-trick. She scored in the 60th and 75th minutes before completing her treble in stoppage time.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbemile and Tosin Rafiu also got on the scoresheet as Nigeria’s attack ran riot.
Rafiu’s 70th-minute goal came after a fine assist from Onyedikachi Ekezie, while Adegbemile added another four minutes later. Kareem also found the net in the 64th minute.
Nigeria kept the pressure on through a series of attacking moves and set pieces, with Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem among those who repeatedly threatened the New Caledonia defence.
Head Coach Moses Aduku also made effective use of his bench, bringing on Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim as the Falconets maintained their intensity deep into the game.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David had the final say by completing her hat-trick in added time.
The result means Nigeria finish the group stage with four points from three matches. They had earlier suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China PR.
More importantly, the 10-1 scoreline gave the Falconets a major boost in goal difference and confirmed their second-place finish in Group F.
Next up is a big Round of 16 test against England, winners of Group E, on Thursday.
NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme praised the team for showing what he described as the “true Nigeria spirit”.
“The Presidency through the National Sports Commission, the NFF and Nigerian Football stakeholders, and I believe all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, are very proud of the outing of the Falconets against New Caledonia.
“They showed the true Nigeria spirit and overcame the odds when it mattered most.
“The result has taken them to the Round of 16, and we believe the team can only get better. I charge them to sustain the win-mentality and go all the way.”
After a difficult start to the group stage, the Falconets have now sent out a strong warning ahead of the knockout rounds: Nigeria are ready for England.
