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| Falconets players celebrate their win over New Caledonia. |
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have stormed into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after an emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F fixture in Poland on Sunday.
Ramotalahi Kareem stole the spotlight with a hat-trick and Player of the Match award as the Falconets bounced back strongly after a disappointing start to the tournament.
Nigeria had collected just one point from their opening two games, losing 2-0 to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China PR.
The Falconets, however, came alive against New Caledonia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, with Kareem opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Tosin Rafiu was brought down following a powerful run.
Rebecca Adegbemile and Janet Akekoromowei soon extended Nigeria’s lead with headers before Kareem grabbed her second goal to put the game beyond New Caledonia’s reach.
Onajite David then took over after the break, scoring three times in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes.
Kareem completed her hat-trick, while Adegbemile added her second of the game and Rafiu capped the impressive performance with a stunning long-range strike.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but the Falconets refused to let up as David completed her hat-trick in added time.
The commanding victory took Nigeria to four points and secured second place in Group F behind Spain, who finished top after defeating China 3-1.
The 10-1 scoreline also handed the Falconets a huge boost in goal difference as they booked their place in the knockout stage.
Nigeria will now face Group E winners England in the Round of 16 on Thursday, with a quarter-final spot up for grabs.
Other Round of 16 fixtures will see Brazil face the USA, Argentina battle Korea Republic, Italy take on China, and Spain meet Portugal on Wednesday.
On Thursday, France will face Canada, Japan will tac