Nigeria’s Falconets turned rage into goals on Sunday night in Łódź, ripping New Caledonia apart 10-1 and booking a date with England in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
It was not just a win. It was a statement. After a shaky start to Group F, the two-time finalists exploded in the second half, scoring all 10 goals after the break and reminding the world why the green and white strikes fear into opponents.
Ten-Goal Blitz Ignites Poland
The floodgates opened at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź and never closed. Onajite David led the assault with a clinical hat-trick in the 60th, 75th and deep into stoppage time. Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbemile and Tosin Rafiu joined the party in the 64th, 74th and 70th minutes, while Onyedikachi Ekezie pulled the strings with a key assist.
Coach Moses Aduku smelled blood and kept the pressure on. He introduced Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim in the 62nd and 79th minutes to keep legs fresh. Corners from Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu rained in, and Janet Akekoromowei kept New Caledonia’s defence chasing shadows. Joceline Kourevi grabbed a late consolation for New Caledonia in the 89th, but David had the final word.
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England Awaits as Nigeria Eyes Redemption
The result lifts Nigeria to four points, second in Group F behind Spain, after a 2-0 loss to Spain and a 0-0 draw with China. Goal difference did the job.
NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme hailed the fightback. “They showed the true Nigeria spirit and overcame the odds when it mattered most,” he said. “I charge them to sustain the win-mentality and go all the way.”
Next up: Group E winners England, on Thursday. The Falconets have announced themselves. Now they want revenge.
