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

Nigeria's Falconets secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with a record-breaking 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F match on Sunday. The emphatic win in Lodz, Poland, saw Nigeria finish second in the group with four points, advancing on goal difference ahead of China, which also finished on four points after a 3-1 loss to group winner Spain. Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David each scored hat-tricks for the Falconets, while Rebecca Adegbemile added a brace. Nigeria took control early, with Kareem opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Adegbemile doubled the lead two minutes later, and Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute. Kareem scored her second in the 27th minute to give Nigeria a 4-0 halftime advantage. The dominance continued after the break. David, who came on at the start of the second half, scored in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later. Tosin Rafiu added Nigeria's seventh in the 70th minute, with Adegbemile scoring her second seven minutes later.