New Caledonia have scored their first goal at a FIFA women’s event, despite exiting FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ with a 10-1 defeat to Nigeria.
Cina Kourevi scored the historic goal in the 89th minute of the contest at Stadion Miejski in Lodz, as New Caledonia concluded their tournament debut with a moment to celebrate.
It came at the end of a Nigerian onslaught though, the African representatives scoring four first half goals, and a further six in the second, to advance through to the Round of 16 with four points.
Ramotalahi Kareem scored two in the first half for Nigeria, and would go on to score a hat-trick, adding her third in the 64th minute. Winner Onajite David joined her on the scoresheet with a trio of goals too, scoring all three in the final half hour.
Rebecca Adegbemile also bagged a brace, whilst Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu were the other two to find the back of the net for Nigeria.
Kourevi’s consolation for New Caledonia was a thing of beauty though, lifting the ball over the head of the Nigerian goalkeeper with a stunning left-footed strike into the top of the net from long range.
New Caledonia may end their inaugural FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with three defeats, finishing bottom of Group G, but can take plenty of learnings from their first exposure to the world stage.
Nigeria: 10 (Ramotalahi KAREEM (P) 17′, 27′, 64′, Rebecca ADEGBEMILE 19′, Seimeyeha Janet AKEKOROMOWEI 23′, Winner Onajite DAVID 60′, 75′, 90+4′, Tosin RAFIU 70′)
New Caledonia: 1 (Cina KOUREVI 89′)
HT: 4-0
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images