Nigeria thrash New Caledonia 10-1, reach U-20 World Cup knockouts - Punch Newspapers
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. 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. 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. Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled the lead two minutes later. 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. 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. Rafiu added Nigeria’s seventh in the 70th minute, with Adegbemile scoring her second seven minutes later. Recurring incidence of Lassa fever, diphtheria Aduku says Falconets ready to conquer Niger names new chief of staff after thwarted mutiny David scored twice in the final 15 minutes to complete her hat-trick and put Nigeria 10-0 ahead. New Caledonia scored a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute. 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. Nigeria had opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China. The Falconets, who have twice reached the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, will now advance to the knockout stage. FIFA says the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams qualify for the knockout rounds. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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