Goal-hungry New Caledonia coach eyes Falconets scalp

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New Caledonia head coach Leon Waitronyie is targeting his side’s first goal of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup when they face Nigeria’s Falconets in their final Group F game in Lodz on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Cagous remain mathematically in contention for one of the four best third-place spots, but their hopes are hanging by a thread after suffering a 5-0 defeat by China PR before an 11-0 thrashing by Spain.

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Waitronyie, however, wants his side to approach their final group game with greater attacking intent.

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“We need to play a little higher up the pitch and try to score a goal,” he said.

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The Cagous can expect another difficult test against a Nigeria side who will be strong favourites and will be desperate to build on Thursday’s goalless draw with China.

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The result left the Falconets with one point from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance.

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Nigeria remain third in Group F behind Spain and China, with a win against New Caledonia crucial to their hopes of progressing to the Round of 16.

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Spain lead the group with six points and a +13 goal difference after their emphatic 11-0 win over New Caledonia, while China have four points and a +5 goal difference.

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Nigeria have one point and a -2 goal difference, while New Caledonia are bottom without a point and with a -16 goal difference.

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A victory would take the Falconets to four points and significantly strengthen their chances of qualification. They could finish second if results go their way, particularly if Spain defeat China, while a third-place finish could also be enough to secure one of the four best third-place slots across the six groups.

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