By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nigeria’s Falconets delivered a breathtaking attacking display on Sunday, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 to complete their group-stage campaign in emphatic fashion at the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup.
The Nigerian side dominated from the opening whistle at Stadion ŁKS in Lodz, scoring four goals in the first half before adding six more after the interval to record one of the tournament’s biggest victories.
Rasheedat Kareem set the tone in the 17th minute, confidently converting a penalty to give Nigeria the lead.
The Falconets doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Rukayat Adegbemile finished from Favour Nkwocha’s assist, leaving New Caledonia struggling to cope with Nigeria’s relentless pressure.
Nigeria continued to dismantle the defence, with Jennifer Akekoromowei making it 3-0 in the 23rd minute after being set up by Teniola Adeshina.
Kareem then completed her brace in the 27th minute as the Falconets raced into a commanding 4-0 lead before half-time.
Rather than ease off after the break, Nigeria intensified the assault.
Winnie David scored in the 60th minute to make it 5-0, before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later, taking the score to 6-0.
The relentless pressure continued as Taiwo Rafiu struck in the 70th minute, with Ogechi Ekezie providing the assist.
Adegbemile then grabbed her second goal in the 74th minute, while David scored again a minute later to put Nigeria 9-0 ahead.
New Caledonia finally found a consolation goal in the 89th minute through Jade Kourevi, but there was still time for Nigeria to have the final say.
David completed her hat-trick in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a remarkable 10-1 victory.
The statistics underlined Nigeria’s superiority. The Falconets recorded 80 per cent possession, compared with New Caledonia’s 20 per cent, while producing an extraordinary 54 shots against just six from their opponents.
Nigeria also registered 13 big chances and accumulated 71 touches inside New Caledonia’s penalty area, compared with none for the Pacific island side.
The victory gives Nigeria considerable momentum heading into the knockout phase and underlines the Falconets’ attacking strength after three rounds of group-stage football.
