Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for 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, securing second place in the group behind Spain and a place in the Round of 16.
Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David scored hat-tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile netted twice. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also scored for Nigeria.
Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled the advantage two minutes later. Akekoromowei added a third in the 23rd minute, while Kareem scored again four minutes later to give the Falconets a 4-0 lead at half-time.
David came on at the start of the second half and scored in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.
Rafiu made it 7-0 in the 70th minute, while Adegbemile added her second seven minutes later. David then scored twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and take Nigeria’s tally to 10.
New Caledonia scored a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.
Nigeria finished level on four points with China, but advanced ahead of them on goal difference after China lost 3-1 to Spain.
The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.
Nigeria have reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup twice and will now continue their campaign in the knockout stage.
