Falconets Thrash New Caledonia 10-1, Set Up England Clash in U-20 World Cup Knockout

By Emmanuel Kwada

Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after producing a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia.

The emphatic Group F win at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź on Sunday saw the Nigerian side deliver their most convincing performance of the tournament so far, scoring four goals before half-time and adding six more after the break.

The result moved Nigeria into second place in Group F and secured their passage to the Round of 16, where they will face England.

New Caledonia struggled to cope with the Falconets’ pace, movement and attacking pressure.

Ramotalahi Kareem set the tone for the dominant performance when she converted a penalty in the 17th minute to give Nigeria the lead.

The Falconets quickly doubled their advantage, with Rebecca Adegbemile finding the net just two minutes later.

Seimeyeha Akekoromowei then made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute before Kareem struck again four minutes later to complete Nigeria’s first-half scoring.

New Caledonia struggled to cope with the Falconets’ pace, movement and attacking pressure, as Nigeria repeatedly threatened the opposition defence.

After the restart, the Nigerian team continued where they stopped, maintaining their attacking intensity and creating a succession of opportunities.

Winner David joined the scoring spree in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.

Nigeria’s Rebecca Adegbemile reacts after scoring during a match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. (Photo: fifa.com)

Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh goal in the 70th minute, while David and Adegbemile continued to torment the New Caledonian defence.

David scored again in the 75th minute, completing her own hat-trick in the 90th minute to bring Nigeria’s tally to 10.

New Caledonia managed to score a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but it could do little to change the outcome of a match Nigeria had controlled for virtually the entire contest.

The victory represents a major turnaround for the Falconets, who entered the final group game needing a strong result to keep their tournament campaign alive.

Nigeria had opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China. The draw against China gave the Falconets their first point of the competition but left their qualification hopes dependent on the final group match.

Against China, Nigeria created several opportunities but struggled to find the decisive touch in front of goal. The situation changed dramatically against New Caledonia, as the Falconets converted their chances with ruthless efficiency.

China had entered the match against New Caledonia after recording a 5-0 victory over the Pacific island side, making Nigeria’s eventual 10-1 scoreline even more significant in the battle for qualification.

Spain finished top of Group F with nine points and had already secured their place in the Round of 16 after winning all three group matches.

For the Falconets, however, the victory over New Caledonia provides renewed confidence heading into the knockout phase.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to England, with the Round of 16 presenting a much tougher challenge. The Falconets will need to maintain the attacking sharpness they displayed against New Caledonia while improving their defensive organisation if they are to progress further in the competition.

With 10 goals scored in their final group match, Nigeria have sent a strong message that they remain a force to be reckoned with as the tournament enters its decisive stage.

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