Goal-hungry New Caledonia coach eyes Falconets scalp

New Caledonia head coach Leon Waitronyie is targeting his side’s first goal of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup when they face Nigeria’s Falconets in their final Group F game in Lodz on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Cagous remain mathematically in contention for one of the four best third-place spots, but their hopes are hanging by a thread after suffering a 5-0 defeat by China PR before an 11-0 thrashing by Spain.

Waitronyie, however, wants his side to approach their final group game with greater attacking intent.

“We need to play a little higher up the pitch and try to score a goal,” he said.

The Cagous can expect another difficult test against a Nigeria side who will be strong favourites and will be desperate to build on Thursday’s goalless draw with China.

The result left the Falconets with one point from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance.

Nigeria remain third in Group F behind Spain and China, with a win against New Caledonia crucial to their hopes of progressing to the Round of 16.

Spain lead the group with six points and a +13 goal difference after their emphatic 11-0 win over New Caledonia, while China have four points and a +5 goal difference.

Nigeria have one point and a -2 goal difference, while New Caledonia are bottom without a point and with a -16 goal difference.

A victory would take the Falconets to four points and significantly strengthen their chances of qualification. They could finish second if results go their way, particularly if Spain defeat China, while a third-place finish could also be enough to secure one of the four best third-place slots across the six groups.

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