*Rebecca Adegbeimile, one of the Falconets’ goalscorers, celebrating her goal during the match in Łódź on Sunday.

Falconets

Abuja, September 14, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng) Nigeria’s national under-20 women football team, the Falconets, have advanced to the knockout stage of the ongoing 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The Falconets advanced in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon at the Stadion Miejski LKS in Łódź after a 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F match.

After just a point from their first two matches —- losing 0-2 to Spain and drawing 0-0 with China —- the result helped them to secure progression to the Round of 16.

Onajite David led the scoring with a hat-trick in the 60th, 75th minutes and in added time of the second period.

Additional goals came from Ramotalahi Kareem in the 64th minute, Rebecca Adegbeimile in the 74th minute, and Tosin Rafiu in the 70th minute.

The goals were concentrated in the second half as Nigeria’s attack overwhelmed the New Caledonia defence, after the two-time World Cup runners-up controlled possession and created a high volume of chances.

From the 60th minute onward, Nigeria recorded attempts at goal in quick succession, with Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem all threatening.

Set-pieces were a key feature, as Tumininu Adeshina and Tosin Rafiu delivered a series of corner-kicks which sustained pressure on the opposition.

Head Coach Moses Aduku utilised his bench well to maintain intensity, introducing Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim in the 62nd and 79th minutes.

The changes helped sustain the tempo and contributed to the late surge in goals, enabling the team to record its largest winning margin in the tournament to date.

New Caledonia registered a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute before David completed her hat-trick in stoppage time.

Nigeria concluded the group stage on four points from three matches, with the 10-1 result significantly improving the team’s goal difference and confirming a second-place finish in Group F.

The Falconets will now tackle Group E winners England in the Round of 16 on Thursday.

Speaking on the development, the Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, saluted the historic feat by the Falconets.

“I believe all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are very proud of the outing of the Falconets against New Caledonia.

“They showed the true Nigeria spirit and overcame the odds when it mattered most.

“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.”(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Lawanson Alabi