Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, on Sunday thrashed New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ademola Olajire, disclosed the result in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
The emphatic victory at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź secured Nigeria’s passage to the Round of 16 and gave the team its biggest winning margin of the tournament so far. Winner David led the scoring with a hat-trick, finding the net in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbeimile and Tosin Rafiu were also among Nigeria’s scorers, while New Caledonia’s Joceline Kourevi scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute.
The Falconets dominated proceedings, particularly in the second half, creating several chances as they overwhelmed the New Caledonian defence.
Nigeria increased the pressure from the hour mark, with Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem among those repeatedly threatening the opposition goal.
Set pieces also played an important role, with Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu delivering a series of corners that kept New Caledonia under sustained pressure.
Head Coach Moses Aduku made changes to maintain the team’s intensity, introducing Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim in the 62nd and 79th minutes.
The substitutions helped Nigeria sustain the tempo and contributed to the late surge that produced more goals. Nigeria had earlier lost 2-0 to Spain and played out a goalless draw against China in their opening two Group F matches.
The result took the Falconets to four points from three matches and confirmed their second-place finish in the group. Nigeria will face England, winners of Group E, in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
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NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, commended the Falconets for their impressive performance against New Caledonia.
“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,” Ikpeme said.
The result ended New Caledonia’s campaign without a point. The tournament debutants had earlier suffered heavy defeats against China and Spain and were unable to withstand Nigeria’s sustained pressure in their final group appearance.
Nigeria’s 10-goal haul also significantly improved its goal difference, which proved crucial in determining the final standings in the tightly contested group.
Spain topped Group F with nine points and a plus-15 goal difference, while Nigeria finished second with four points and a plus-seven goal difference.
China also finished with four points but placed third with a plus-three goal difference, while New Caledonia finished bottom with no points and a minus-25 goal difference.
In the other Group F match played on Sunday, Spain defeated China 3-1. The result saw Spain, Nigeria and China progress to the Round of 16. The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup commenced on Sept. 5 and is scheduled to end on Sept. 27.
NAN
