Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, demolished New Caledonia 9–1 in their final group fixture of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

​Having suffered a defeat to Spain in their opener and played out a goalless draw against China in their second match, coach Moses Aduku’s side faced a must-win situation against New Caledonia to advance from Group F — either as runners-up or among the best third-placed teams. The Falconets rose to the occasion.

​Kareem and Akekoromowei Shine for Nigeria

New Caledonia entered the clash as the group's whipping girls after heavy defeats—11–0 against Spain and 5–0 against China. Another lopsided scoreline was widely expected, and the Falconets duly delivered.

​Coach Aduku set his team up to attack, and they took the game to their opponents right from the opening whistle.

​Despite an early onslaught, Nigeria had to wait 17 minutes for the breakthrough. It finally arrived from the penalty spot. Tosin Rafiu won a penalty she was tripped in the box. Ramotalahi Kareem took charge of the responsibility and dispatched her penalty kick with aplomb to make it 1–0.

🇳🇬 Ramotalahi Kareem scores Nigeria's first goal of the u20 women's world cup.

Nigeria u20 1-0 New Caledonia u20 pic.twitter.com/mSJnH25sHM

— CHINEMEREMMA ACTIVE 🦅 (@CHINEMEREMMA993) September 13, 2026

Just two minutes later, while New Caledonia were still reeling from going a goal down, Nigeria struck again through Rebecca Adegbemile. She jumped highest to meet a cross from Favour Nkwocha and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

🇳🇬 Rebecca Adegbemile header

Nigeria u20 2-0 New Caledonia u20 pic.twitter.com/8GA4NDIlTx

— CHINEMEREMMA ACTIVE 🦅 (@CHINEMEREMMA993) September 13, 2026

Janet Akekoromowei scored the third, while Kareem added one more to her kitty to make it four for Nigeria going into the break. It was total and absolute domination from Aduku's ladies, who were clearly going for the jugular.

🇳🇬 Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei with another header.

Nigeria u20 3-0 New Caledonia u20 pic.twitter.com/meQocgIP7o

— CHINEMEREMMA ACTIVE 🦅 (@CHINEMEREMMA993) September 13, 2026

The Falconets recorded 81% possession and registered 23 shots, ten of which were on target. They had an xG of 2.49 in the first half alone. The only thing New Caledonia had to show from the first period was a single goal attempt.

That dominance was carried into the second half. But it still took them 15 minute into the restart to add to their tally.

This time, it was substitute Winner David who scored the fifth for Nigeria, and it was another header. She capitalized on a melee in front of the box after a corner was played into the area and simply guided the ball into the net to make it 5-0.

Four minutes later, Kareem added another goal to make it six for the Falconets and complete her hattrick. David also later got her own hattrick, as David scored twice before full time.

Rafiu, who won the penalty for the opening goal for Nigeria got her goal in the 70th minute, while center-back Adegbemile added another goal in the 74th minute to ensure she left the game with a brace.

🇳🇬 Rebecca Adegbemile brace

Nigeria u20 8-0 New Caledonia u20 pic.twitter.com/SLcWg3FN5x

— CHINEMEREMMA ACTIVE 🦅 (@CHINEMEREMMA993) September 13, 2026

Joceline Kourevi scored for New Caledonia in the 89th minute, but that was only a consolation for them, as the Falconets ran out with the 10-1 win. The victory is the biggest for an African nation in the history of the FIFA under-20 Women's World Cup.

What this means for the Falconets

The Falconets' 10-1 victory over New Caledonia means that they will qualify as the second team from Group F behind Spain, while China will finish third. Although both teams have for points, the Falconets edge it by virtue of their superior goals difference.

They will now wait for the results of the other games before they know their opponent for the round of 16. But one thing is sure – their next opponents will be very tough.