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 took Nigeria to four points from three matches, enough to secure second place in the group behind Spain and advance to the Round of 16.
Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David scored hat-tricks for Nigeria, while Rebecca Adegbemile netted twice. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also got on the scoresheet.
Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes later.
Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, with Kareem adding her second four minutes later as Nigeria went into half-time with a 4-0 lead.
David, introduced at the start of the second half, scored Nigeria’s fifth in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.
Rafiu added the seventh in the 70th minute, while 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 left Nigeria second in Group F on four points, behind Spain, who finished with nine points.
China also ended the group stage on four points after losing 3-1 to Spain, but Nigeria advanced ahead of China on goal difference.
The Falconets opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain before drawing 0-0 with China.
Nigeria, who have twice reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now continue their campaign in the knockout stage.
FIFA’s tournament format sends the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, into the knockout rounds.
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