Nigeria’s Falconets have reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match in Poland on Sunday.
The emphatic victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches, enough to secure second place in the group behind Spain and book their place in the Round of 16.
Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David both scored hat-tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile netted twice. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also got on the scoresheet for Nigeria.
Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes later.
Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, and Kareem added her second four minutes later as the Falconets went into half-time with a commanding 4-0 lead.
David was introduced at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact, scoring in the 60th minute to make it 5-0. Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.
Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute before Adegbemile scored her second seven minutes later.
David then struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and put Nigeria 10-0 ahead.
New Caledonia scored a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.
The result saw Moses Aduku’s side finish second in Group F with four points, behind Spain, who topped the group with nine points. China also finished on four points after losing 3-1 to Spain, but Nigeria advanced ahead of them on goal difference.
The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China.
Nigeria, who have reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup twice, will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their bid for a first world title.
FIFA’s tournament format sees the top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout rounds.
