Nigeria’s Falconets produced a stunning attacking display on Sunday, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match to book a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The emphatic victory at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź was Nigeria’s biggest win of the tournament and secured second place in Group F, setting up a Round of 16 encounter against Group E winners England on Thursday.
Winner Onajite David was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes as the Falconets turned on the style in the second half.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbeimile and Tosin Rafiu were also on target for Nigeria, while Onyedikachi Ekezie provided the assist for Rafiu’s goal.
The Falconets dominated proceedings after the interval, creating a succession of chances as they relentlessly exposed gaps in the New Caledonia defence.
Nigeria’s pressure intensified from the 60th minute, with Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem among those threatening the opposition goal.
Set pieces also played a significant role, with Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu repeatedly delivering dangerous corners as the two-time World Cup runners-up maintained pressure.
Head Coach Moses Aduku made tactical changes to keep the intensity high, introducing Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim as Nigeria continued their attacking surge.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David completed her hat-trick in added time to cap a memorable afternoon for the Falconets.
The victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three group matches. The team had earlier lost 2-0 to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China PR.
The huge winning margin also boosted Nigeria’s goal difference and confirmed the Falconets’ second-place finish in Group F.
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The Falconets will now face England in the Round of 16 on Thursday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the team for their performance and urged the players to maintain their winning mentality.
He said the Falconets had demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit associated with Nigerian football, adding that stakeholders and Nigerians at home and abroad were proud of their achievement.
Ikpeme charged the players to build on the victory and continue their pursuit of the title.
