Nigeria’s Falconets have stormed into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
They secured their place with a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F match in Poland.
The result marked Nigeria’s biggest winning margin in the tournament and completed a dramatic turnaround after a difficult start.
Kareem Leads First-Half Attack
The Falconets started strongly and quickly put New Caledonia under pressure.
Ramotalahi Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute.
Rebecca Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s lead just two minutes later.
The pressure continued.
Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute.
Kareem then scored again in the 27th minute.
Nigeria went into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.
David Completes Hat-Trick
The Falconets returned from the interval with even greater intensity.
Winner Onajite David scored Nigeria’s fifth goal in the 60th minute.
Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.
Tosin Rafiu then joined the scoring in the 70th minute.
Adegbemile added another goal in the 74th minute to complete her brace.
David scored again one minute later.
She then completed her own hat-trick in stoppage time.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.
However, Nigeria had already taken complete control of the contest.
Nigeria Revive World Cup Campaign
The victory was particularly important because Nigeria had collected only one point from their first two matches.
The Falconets lost 2-0 to Spain in their opening game.
They then played out a goalless draw against China.
With their knockout hopes under pressure, Nigeria needed a victory against New Caledonia.
They responded emphatically.
The 10-1 result lifted Nigeria to four points and second place in Group F, behind Spain.
England Await in Round of 16
Nigeria will now face England in the Round of 16.
The knockout match is scheduled for Thursday, September 17.
England also reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B.
The Falconets will hope their emphatic victory has provided the confidence needed for the next stage.
Nigeria are two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
They will now target another deep run as they continue their pursuit of a first world title.
