Nigeria Thrash New Caledonia 10-1, Reach U-20 World Cup Knockouts

Nigeria’s Falconets produced a record-breaking performance at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match in Poland on Sunday.

The emphatic victory secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 after the Falconets finished second in Group F with four points, behind Spain.

Ramotalahi Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Rebecca Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes later.

Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, while Kareem added her second four minutes later as Nigeria took a commanding 4-0 lead before half-time.

The Falconets continued their dominance after the restart, with Winner Onajite David scoring in the 60th minute.

Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later, before Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh goal in the 70th minute.

Adegbemile scored her second in the 74th minute, while David struck twice more, including in stoppage time, to complete her own hat-trick.

New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but Nigeria had already established an unassailable advantage.

The 10-1 victory marked Nigeria’s biggest-ever win at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and ensured the Falconets advanced to the knockout stage.

Nigeria entered the decisive match needing a strong result after opening the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Spain and drawing 0-0 with China.

China also finished the group stage with four points after losing 3-1 to Spain, but Nigeria advanced ahead of China on goal difference.

The Falconets finished the group stage with one win, one draw and one defeat, scoring 10 goals and conceding three.

Nigeria, who have twice reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now face England in the Round of 16.

The victory also means the Falconets are the only African team remaining in the 2026 tournament, giving Nigeria another opportunity to challenge for the title.