The Falconets beat New Caledonia 10-1 in emphatic fashion to secure their place in the last 16 of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. After losing to Spain and drawing with China, Nigeria needed a strong response, and Moses Aduku’s side delivered with a dominant attacking display.
The victory lifted Nigeria to second place in Group F and set up a last-16 meeting with England on Thursday.
Falconets Beat New Caledonia 10-1 to Advance
Nigeria produced their biggest win of the tournament so far, overwhelming New Caledonia with a remarkable second-half performance at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.
The Falconets had struggled to find the net in their opening two matches, losing 2-0 to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China PR. However, they found their attacking rhythm when it mattered most.
Winner Onajite David was the standout performer, scoring three times to complete a hat-trick. Her goals came in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbemile and Tosin Rafiu were also among the scorers as Nigeria turned the match into a one-sided contest.
Second-half goals power Nigeria to victory
The majority of the goals arrived after the interval as Nigeria repeatedly exposed gaps in the New Caledonia defence.
Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem continued to threaten, while Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu helped maintain pressure through a series of dangerous corners.
Coach Moses Aduku also made effective use of his substitutes. Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim were introduced as Nigeria looked to maintain their intensity.
The changes helped the Falconets finish strongly and extend their advantage.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute. However, David responded in stoppage time to complete her hat-trick and seal the 10-1 victory.
Falconets Set Up England Clash
The victory secured Nigeria’s second-place finish in Group F with four points from three matches.
More importantly, the huge scoreline gave the Falconets a significant boost in goal difference and kept their World Cup campaign alive.
Nigeria will now face England, who finished top of Group E, in the last 16 on Thursday.
The encounter will present a much tougher challenge, but the Falconets 10-1 win over New Caledonia gives Aduku’s team renewed confidence heading into the knockout stage.
NFF Praises Falconets’ Fighting Spirit
NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme praised the players for responding strongly after their difficult start to the competition.
He said the team had demonstrated the “true Nigeria spirit” by overcoming the odds when it mattered most.
Ikpeme also urged the players to maintain their winning mentality as they prepare for the knockout stage.
Conclusion
The Falconets beat New Caledonia 10-1 when they needed a result most, transforming a difficult group-stage campaign into a place in the knockout rounds.
With England next, Nigeria will need another disciplined and clinical performance to continue their World Cup journey. The emphatic victory, however, has provided the Falconets with the confidence and momentum they lacked earlier in the tournament.
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