U-20 WWC: Falconets demolish New Caledonia 10-1, advance to knockouts

The emphatic victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches, enough to secure second place in the group behind Spain and book a place in the Round of 16.

Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner David both scored hat-tricks, while Rebecca Adegbemile netted twice. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu completed the scoring for Nigeria.

Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Adegbemile doubled the advantage two minutes later.

Akekoromowei added a third in the 23rd minute, while Kareem struck again four minutes later as Moses Aduku’s side went into half-time with a commanding 4-0 lead.

David was introduced at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact, scoring in the 60th minute to put Nigeria five goals ahead.

Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later before Rafiu added a seventh in the 70th minute.

Adegbemile scored her second seven minutes later, while David found the net twice during the final 15 minutes to complete her own hat-trick and take Nigeria’s tally to 10.

New Caledonia managed a late consolation through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.

The result saw Nigeria finish second in Group F on four points, behind unbeaten Spain, who topped the section with nine points.

China also ended the group stage on four points after losing 3-1 to Spain. However, Nigeria progressed ahead of China on goal difference.

The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain before drawing 0-0 with China, leaving them needing a convincing result against New Caledonia to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Nigeria have twice reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and will now continue their bid for a first title in the knockout rounds.

FIFA’s tournament format provides for the top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, to advance to the knockout stage.