Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture in Poland on Sunday.

The emphatic victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches, securing second place behind Spain and a place in the knockout stage.

Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David scored hat-tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile contributed a brace. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also scored for the Nigerian side.

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Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled the advantage two minutes later.

Akekoromowei added the third in the 23rd minute, while Kareem completed her brace four minutes later to give Nigeria a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

David, introduced at the start of the second half, scored Nigeria’s fifth in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute.

Rafiu made it 7-0 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 take Nigeria’s tally to 10.

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

The result saw Moses Aduku’s team finish second in Group F on four points, behind Spain, who secured nine points after defeating China 3-1.

China also ended the group stage with four points but missed out on qualification after Nigeria finished ahead on goal difference.

The Falconets began the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.

Nigeria, two-time finalists at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now continue their campaign in the knockout rounds.

FIFA’s competition format allows the top two teams in each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams, to progress to the knockout stage.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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