By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria’s Falconets put on a masterclass in Łódź on Sunday, demolishing New Caledonia 10-1 to march into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The clinical victory at Stadion Miejski ŁKS stood out as Nigeria’s most dominant performance of the tournament, securing them second place in Group F with four points.
That result booked a knockout meeting with Group E winners England on Thursday, with a quarter-final ticket on the line in Poland.
The Falconets had lost 2-0 to Spain and drawn 0-0 with China PR, leaving them in need of a strong final group display to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Winner Onajite David led the charge with a hat-trick, scoring in the 60th minute, the 75th minute and stoppage time.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbeimile and Tosin Rafiu also found the net.
Onyedikachi Ekezie created Rafiu’s goal as Nigeria’s attack clicked after the interval.
The Falconets dominated the second half while New Caledonia’s defence struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and movement once the pressure rose.
From the 60th minute, wave after wave of attacks followed as Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem continually stretched the visitors.
Set pieces added to the siege, with Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu sending in a stream of corners that kept New Caledonia pinned back.
Head coach Moses Aduku refreshed the side from the bench, introducing Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim in the 62nd and 79th minutes.
Those changes preserved intensity and helped spark the late burst of goals that turned a strong win into a statement rout.
Joceline Kourevi grabbed a consolation for New Caledonia in the 89th minute, but David had the last word by completing her hat-trick in added time.
The 10-1 scoreline lifted Nigeria’s goal difference and confirmed second place in Group F ahead of Thursday’s clash with England.
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