Nigeria thrash New Caledonia 10-1, reach U-20 World Cup knockouts

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Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match in Poland on Sunday.

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The victory took Nigeria to four points from three matches, enough to finish second in the group behind Spain and advance to the Round of 16.

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Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David scored hat-tricks for Nigeria, while Rebecca Adegbemile scored brace and Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu also found the net.

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

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Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, with Kareem scoring her second in the 27th minute to give Nigeria a 4-0 lead at half-time.

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David, who came on at the start of the second half, scored in the 60th minute to make it 5-0 before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.

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Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute, with Adegbemile scoring her second seven minutes later.

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David scored twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and put Nigeria 10-0 ahead.

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

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The result leaves the Moses Aduku’s side second in Group F on four points, behind Spain on nine points. China also finished on four points after losing 3-1 to Spain, but Nigeria advanced ahead of China on goal difference.

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Nigeria had opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China.

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The Falconets, who have twice reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now advance to the knockout stage.

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FIFA says the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams qualify for the knockout rounds.

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