FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Explode After Break to Seal Round of 16 Ticket

Posted : 14 September 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets turned their final Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup into a goal feast on Sunday, overwhelming New Caledonia 10-1 to book their place in the Round of 16.

After a difficult start to the group campaign, the two-time runners-up produced their most emphatic performance of the tournament at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, with an extraordinary second-half attacking display ultimately deciding the contest.

The victory was particularly significant for Nigeria after they opened the campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China PR.

The Falconets needed a strong response and delivered it in spectacular fashion.

Winner Onajite David emerged as the outstanding performer, scoring three times in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes to complete a memorable hat-trick.

Nigeria’s attacking floodgates opened after the hour mark, with Ramotalahi Kareem, Tosin Rafiu and Rebecca Adegbeimile also finding the net as the Falconets repeatedly breached a tiring New Caledonia defence.

Kareem scored in the 64th minute, while Rafiu found the net in the 70th minute after combining with Onyedikachi Ekezie. Adegbeimile added another four minutes later.

The Falconets had threatened consistently, with Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem among those creating danger, while a succession of corners delivered by Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu kept New Caledonia pinned back.

Head coach Moses Aduku also made effective use of his bench, introducing Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim to maintain the intensity as the match progressed.

The substitutions helped Nigeria preserve their attacking tempo and contributed to the late avalanche of goals.

New Caledonia managed a consolation through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David responded in stoppage time to complete her hat-trick and round off Nigeria’s biggest victory of the tournament.

The 10-1 scoreline lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches and secured second place in Group F, while the huge goal haul significantly improved their goal difference.

The victory also provides the Falconets with renewed confidence as they enter the knockout stage, where they will face Group E winners England on Thursday.

NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme hailed the performance, describing it as a demonstration of the Nigerian spirit.

“The result has taken them to the Round of 16, and we believe the team can only get better. I charge them to sustain the win mentality and go all the way,” Ikpeme said.

For the Falconets, the challenge now shifts from surviving the group stage to producing another statement performance against England, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Explode After Break to Seal Round of 16 Ticket

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