Nigeria’s Falconets have produced a remarkable response at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
After failing to score in their opening two matches, Nigeria found the net 10 times against New Caledonia.
The 10-1 victory secured second place in Group F and sent the Falconets into the Round of 16.
Nigeria Explode Into Life
The Falconets had entered the final group game under pressure.
They had lost 2-0 to Spain and drawn 0-0 with China.
That left Nigeria with just one point.
A strong result against New Caledonia was therefore essential.
Nigeria wasted little time.
Kareem converted a penalty in the 17th minute.
Adegbemile followed two minutes later.
Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute.
Kareem struck again four minutes later.
The Falconets led 4-0 at half-time.
Goals Keep Coming
Nigeria showed no signs of slowing down after the restart.
David scored in the 60th minute.
Kareem completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute.
Rafiu then made it 7-0 in the 70th minute.
Adegbemile scored her second four minutes later.
David added another goal in the 75th minute.
New Caledonia pulled one back through Kourevi in the 89th minute.
However, David had the final say.
She scored in stoppage time to complete her hat-trick and seal the 10-1 victory.
Kareem and David Shine
Kareem and David both finished with three goals.
Adegbemile scored twice.
Akekoromowei and Rafiu completed Nigeria’s scoring.
The result was also Nigeria’s biggest win of the tournament.
More importantly, it transformed the Falconets’ World Cup campaign.
England Next for Nigeria
Nigeria finished the group stage with four points.
Spain topped Group F with nine points.
The Falconets therefore advanced as runners-up and will meet England in the Round of 16.
The match will take place on Thursday, September 17.
England finished second in Group B after Brazil topped the section.
For Nigeria, the challenge is now to carry the momentum from their record-breaking group-stage victory into the knockout rounds.
