Nigeria reach U-20 World Cup last 16 after 10-1 win

Nigeria’s Falconets have stormed into the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after an emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in Poland.

The Falconets delivered a dominant attacking performance at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, racing into a 4-0 half-time lead before adding six more goals after the break.

Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner David were the stars of the rout, with both players completing hat-tricks as Nigeria secured second place in Group F.

Falconets race into four-goal half-time lead

Nigeria took control of the contest from the opening stages and broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.

Kareem converted from the penalty spot to put the Falconets ahead before Rebecca Adegbemile doubled the advantage just two minutes later.

Seimeyeha Akekoromowei then made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, while Kareem completed a superb first-half contribution by scoring her second goal in the 27th minute.

Nigeria went into the interval with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Nigeria add six more after the break

The Falconets showed no signs of easing off after half-time.

Winner David scored her first goal of the game in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.

Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute, with David and Adegbemile finding the net again in quick succession.

David scored in the 75th minute, while Adegbemile struck her second four minutes earlier to take Nigeria’s total to nine.

The final goal arrived in the 90th minute as David completed her hat-trick and capped a remarkable individual performance.

New Caledonia score late consolation

New Caledonia eventually found a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.

However, the goal had little effect on the outcome as Nigeria comfortably closed out the match to complete a 10-1 victory.

The result gave the Falconets a huge boost after a difficult opening to their Group F campaign.

Falconets secure second place in Group F

Nigeria entered the match needing a positive result after collecting only one point from their opening two games.

The Falconets had begun their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China at Arena Sosnowiec.

Nigeria created chances against China but could not find a way through, while the draw earned them their first point of the tournament.

The emphatic victory over New Caledonia changed the picture completely, lifting Nigeria into second place in Group F and securing their place in the knockout stage.

Spain finish top of Group F

Spain finished at the top of the group with nine points and had already secured their place in the round of 16.

The European side opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria before recording one of the biggest wins in the competition’s history.

China had also entered their meeting with Nigeria on the back of a 5-0 victory over New Caledonia.

Nigeria’s 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia ultimately ensured the Falconets survived their difficult start and progressed to the knockout stage.

England await Nigeria in the knockout stage

The Falconets will now face England in the round of 16 after finishing second in Group F.

Nigeria will head into the knockout stage with considerable confidence following a 10-goal attacking display, while the performances of Kareem and David provide further encouragement ahead of the next challenge.

SportsLigue