By Amaechi Agbo
The U-20 women national team.of Nigeria, the Falconets are the last African team standing at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after a historic group-stage conclusion over the weekend.
Nigeria secured its spot in the knockout stage following a breathtaking 10-1 victory over New Caledonia on Sunday. In doing so, the team became the continent’s lone survivor, as Africa’s three other representatives—Ghana, Tanzania, and Benin—were all eliminated during the group phase.
Entering their final Group F match at the Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, head coach Moses Aduku’s side needed an assertive, high-scoring win to confidently secure progression. Having previously lost 2-0 to Spain and played out a tense, goalless draw against China PR, the Falconets unleashed an absolute clinical masterclass against the tournament debutants.
The 10-1 scoreline set a new record for Nigeria’s biggest win in U-20 Women’s World Cup history, shattering a 20-year-old record previously held by the 2006 squad that defeated Finland 8-0.
The onslaught featured two stunning hat-tricks from Ramotalahi Kareem and substitute Winner Onajite David. Additional contributions included a brace from Rebecca Adegbemile alongside goals from Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu.
While Nigeria celebrated a historic night, it was a contrasting weekend for the rest of the African continent. According to tournament updates, Ghana, Tanzania, and tournament debutants Benin were officially sent packing after finishing bottom of their respective groups with minimal points. Their exits leave the two-time global runners-up with the sole responsibility of carrying the African flag into the business end of the tournament.
By finishing second in Group F with four points behind group-leaders Spain, Nigeria has set up a massive Round of 16 clash against England. The highly anticipated knockout match is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Football stakeholders and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have already showered the girls with praise for showing the resilient “Nigerian spirit” when it mattered most. However, the team must now regroup and sustain this winning momentum if they hope to replicate or surpass the legendary silver-medal runs of 2010 and 2014
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