Nigeria’s Falconets produced a stunning response to their difficult start at the FIFA U 20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, crushing New Caledonia 10 1 to secure a place in the Round of 16.
With their hopes of progressing under pressure after a 2 0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China, the Nigerian side needed a strong result and delivered in emphatic fashion at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.
The victory gave Nigeria four points from three group matches and secured second place in Group F. The huge margin also provided a major boost to their goal difference ahead of the knockout stage.
Nigeria will now face England, the winners of Group E, in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
Onajite David was the standout performer, scoring three times to complete a hat trick. She found the net in the 60th minute, struck again in the 75th minute and added her third goal during stoppage time.
Ramotalahi Kareem, Rebecca Adegbemile and Tosin Rafiu were also among the scorers as Nigeria’s attack ran riot, particularly during a dominant second half.
The Falconets stepped up the pressure after the break, creating chances almost at will and keeping the New Caledonia defence under constant strain. Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu and Kareem were all involved in a series of attacks as Nigeria looked to extend its advantage.
Set pieces also played an important role, with Tumininu Adeshina and Rafiu repeatedly delivering dangerous corners that kept the opposition pinned back.
Head coach Moses Aduku made several changes to maintain the team’s intensity as the match progressed. Amber Ogbolu, Victory Lucky and Bright Effiong Etim were introduced during the second half, helping Nigeria maintain its attacking tempo and finish the game strongly.
New Caledonia managed to find a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David completed her hat trick in added time to round off Nigeria’s biggest victory of the tournament so far.
The result marked a significant turnaround for the Falconets, who had entered the final group match needing a convincing performance to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the team for their response and said the performance had made Nigerians at home and abroad proud.
Ikpeme urged the players to maintain the same winning mentality as they prepare for the much tougher challenge against England.
The Falconets will now turn their attention to the knockout stage, where another strong performance will be required if they are to continue their journey towards the latter stages of the tournament.
