Nigeria’s Falconets Set For England Showdown After Record-Breaking 10-1 Victory

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after recording a commanding 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F fixture on Sunday.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the emphatic victory secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage after a difficult start to the tournament. The Falconets had collected just one point from their opening two matches, following a 2-0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China PR.

Ramotalahi Kareem was one of the standout performers in the decisive victory, scoring a hat-trick and earning the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the match, Kareem expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for their upcoming knockout-stage encounter with England on Thursday.

Nigeria took control early at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, with Kareem opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Tosin Rafiu won a penalty following a powerful run. Rebecca Adegbemile and Janet Akekoromowei subsequently found the net with headers before Kareem added her second goal to give the Falconets a commanding advantage.

The Nigerian side continued their dominance after the restart, with Onajite David producing an impressive performance by scoring three times in the second half. David found the net in the 60th, 75th and stoppage-time minutes, while Kareem completed her hat-trick. Adegbemile also scored her second goal of the game, and Rafiu added another spectacular strike from outside the penalty area.

New Caledonia managed to score a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but Nigeria remained relentless and added another goal in stoppage time to complete the comprehensive victory.

The result moved the Falconets to four points and secured second place in Group F behind Spain, who finished top after defeating China PR 3-1. Nigeria’s huge goal difference from the victory also proved crucial in confirming their progression to the knockout stage.

The Falconets will now face Group E winners England on Thursday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The encounter presents Nigeria with another major test as they continue their pursuit of success at the tournament.

Other Round of 16 fixtures will see Brazil face the United States, Argentina take on Korea Republic, Italy meet China, and Spain battle Portugal on Wednesday. On Thursday, France will play Canada, Japan will face North Korea, while hosts Poland will meet Colombia.