Nigeria’s Falconets thrashed New Caledonia 10–1 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to secure a place in the round of 16.
The match took place at Stadion Miejski ČKSõódỹ in Poland, where Nigeria dominated from the start. The Falconets led 4–0 at halftime before adding six more goals after the break.
Ramotalahi Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, while Rebecca Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes later.
Seimeyeha Akekoromowei made it 3–0 in the 23rd minute before Kareem scored her second goal four minutes later.
The Falconets maintained their relentless attacking display after the break. Kareem completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute, while David scored goals in the 60th and 75th minutes.
Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh goal in the 70th minute, followed by Adegbemile’s second goal of the match in the 74th minute.
In the 90th minute, David scored her third goal to complete a hat-trick and secure Nigeria’s tenth goal.
Joceline Kourevi scored a consolation goal for New Caledonia in the 89th minute, which had no impact on the outcome of Nigeria’s victory.
The result secures the Falconets’ spot in the round of 16 and advances them to second place in Group F.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Falconets recorded a goalless draw against China at the Arena Sosnowiec, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage intact.
Following a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening fixture, the result earned Nigeria their first point in Group F.
Despite creating several goalscoring opportunities against China, the Falconets were unable to capitalize, leading both teams to settle for a draw.
Backstory…
The Falconets’ emphatic 10–1 victory over New Caledonia comes after a difficult start to their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Poland.
Nigeria opened the tournament with a 2–0 defeat to former champions Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China. That left the team with just one point from two matches and facing a must-win final group game.
This comes just few days after the National Sports Commission (NSC) has stated that each member of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will receive the naira equivalent of $100,000 as part of the Presidential Reward for winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.
Read Also: FG Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000 Each After Record Fifth AfroBasket Title
