ŁÓDŹ, Poland — Nigeria’s Falconets advanced to the round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, September 13, 2026. They defeated New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match.
The victory at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź lifted Nigeria to four points and secured second place in the group.
The Falconets finished ahead of China on goal difference and will face England, the Group E winners, on Thursday.
Second-Half Surge Extends Nigeria’s Lead
Winner David scored three times after the interval, finding the net in the 60th and 75th minutes before completing her hat-trick during stoppage time.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbeimile, and Tosin Rafiu were also among Nigeria’s goalscorers. Joceline Kourevi scored New Caledonia’s only goal in the 89th minute.
Nigeria maintained sustained pressure during the second half, creating repeated chances and using corners delivered by Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu to trouble the New Caledonian defence.
Head coach Moses Aduku introduced Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky, and Bright Effiong Etim during changes made in the 62nd and 79th minutes.
The Falconets continued scoring late in the match as New Caledonia struggled to contain their attack.
The 10-1 result represented Nigeria’s largest winning margin at the competition so far.
Goal Difference Separates Nigeria and China
Aduku’s side entered the final group match with one point after losing 2-0 to Spain and drawing 0-0 with China.
The win moved Nigeria to four points and a goal difference of plus seven. China also finished with four points but placed third with a goal difference of plus three after losing 3-1 to Spain on Sunday.
Spain won Group F with nine points and a goal difference of plus 15. Spain, Nigeria, and China all progressed to the knockout stage.
New Caledonia completed its first appearance at the tournament without a point.
After earlier heavy defeats by China and Spain, the team finished at the bottom of the group with a goal difference of minus 25.
NFF Praises Falconets
Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation’s director of media and communications, announced the result in a statement issued in Abuja.
Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, the federation’s acting general secretary, said the Presidency, the National Sports Commission, the NFF, and supporters at home and abroad were proud of the team.
“They showed the true Nigeria spirit and overcame the odds when it mattered most,” Ikpeme said.
He urged the players to retain their winning approach as they prepared for the knockout stage.
