Nigeria’s Falconets produced a record-breaking performance at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, hammering debutants New Caledonia 10-1 to secure their place in the Round of 16 in Poland on Sunday.
The emphatic victory marked the biggest-ever win for Nigeria at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, as the Falconets finished second in Group F and advanced to the knockout stage.
Spain topped the group on nine points after ending their group campaign with a 3-1 win against China also on Sunday.
It was a must-win for the Falconets, who entered the game with just one point from two matches (a 2-0 loss to Spain and a 0-0 draw with China).
Ramotalahi Kareem broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Rebecca Adegbemile made it 2-0 two minutes later.
Benfica’s new signing, Janet Akekoromowei, added a third in the 23rd minute, while Kareem was on target again in the 27th minute to give Nigeria a commanding 4-0 lead.
Moses Aduku’s side continued their dominance after the break, with Winner David making it 5-0 in the 60th minute.
Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later, before Tosin Rafiu added another in the 70th minute.
Adegbemile scored her second of the match in the 74th minute, while David added two more goals in the 75th and 90+4th minutes to complete her hat-trick.
New Caledonia managed a consolation goal through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute.
The result also confirmed Nigeria’s progression to the Round of 16, with the Falconets finishing second in Group F.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
