Nigeria’s Falconets have reached the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a 10-1 win over New Caledonia in their final Group F match in Poland, Footynaija reports.
Moses Aduku’s side went into Sunday’s game knowing they needed a big win to improve their chances of qualifying after losing 2-0 to Spain and drawing 0-0 with China.
They responded in style, scoring four times in the first half against tournament debutants New Caledonia. Chisom Nwachukwu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, Jumai Adebayo, and Queen Joseph were among the scorers as Nigeria took a commanding 4-0 lead into the break.
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The Falconets continued to attack after half-time and eventually scored nine goals, although New Caledonia managed a consolation goal in the second half. Onajite David grabbed her brace when she scored Nigeria’s ninth goal in the 75th minute and completed her hat-trick late on to hand the Falconets their biggest win in tournament history.
The result gave Nigeria four points from their three group matches and a major boost to their goal difference.
Spain defeated China 3-1 in the other Group F match on Sunday, a result that confirmed Spain as group winners on nine points and pushed China down to third on four points.
Nigeria finished second also with four points but with a better goal difference than the Chinese girls, who also advance as one of the best third-placed teams. New Caledonia finished bottom without a point.
The Falconets now move into the Round of 16, keeping alive their hopes of winning a tournament they have reached the final of three times.
Nigeria’s progress also means Spain and China will join them in the knockout stage from Group F, while New Caledonia’s first appearance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup has ended at the group stage.
