Nigeria’s Falconets will take to the pitch on Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 2:00pm GMT for a must‑win Group F showdown against New Caledonia at the 2026 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
With only 1 point from two matches, the Falconets must secure victory to keep their tournament hopes alive. Softfootball has outlined two qualification pathways for Nigeria:
Qualification Scenarios
1. Finish 2nd in Group F
- Beat New Caledonia
- Spain beat China
- Nigeria finish with a better goal difference than China
If this happens, Nigeria will face England in the Round of 16.
2. Qualify as One of the Best Third‑Placed Teams
- Even a 1–0 win is enough
- 4 points would surpass Ecuador, who finished with 3 points
If Nigeria qualify this way, they could face France or Italy.
Tournament Picture
- USA and Canada are already through
- Portugal can still reach 4 points
- New Caledonia and Costa Rica only survive with huge wins
Nigeria Falconets — Starting XI vs New Caledonia
1 — Christiana Uzoma (GK)
2 — Favour Nkwocha
4 — Onyedikachi Ekezie
6 — Queen Joseph
7 — Jumai Adebayo
8 — Ramotalahi Kareem
10 — Kafayat Mafisere
12 — Tosin Rafiu
13 — Rebecca Adegbemile
16 — Tumininu Adeshina
19 — Janet Akekoromowei
Substitutes
Victory Lucky, Winner Onajite, Chisom Nwachikwi, Folajomi Olabiyi, Mary Mamudu, Jane Ijirigo (GK), Amber Ogolu, Hannah Ibrahim and Bright Effong Etim (GK)
