New Caledonia Coach Aims for First Goal Against Falconets

New Caledonia head coach Leon Waitronyie is setting his sights on his team’s first goal in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. They will play Nigeria’s Falconets in their last Group F match in Lodz on Sunday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The Cagous still have a slim chance of claiming one of the four best third-place spots, but their chances are looking very slim. They lost 5-0 to China PR and then suffered an 11-0 defeat against Spain.

Despite these heavy losses, Waitronyie wants his players to play more offensively in their last group game.

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

The Cagous are set for another tough match against Nigeria, who are the favorites. The Falconets are eager to improve on their recent goalless draw with China.

That draw left the Falconets with just one point from two matches. They started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Spain, putting their chances of reaching the knockout stage in doubt.

Nigeria is currently third in Group F, behind Spain and China. A win against New Caledonia is crucial for their hopes to reach the Round of 16.

Spain is at the top of the group with six points and a +13 goal difference after their huge 11-0 win against New Caledonia. China has four points and a +5 goal difference.

Nigeria has one point and a -2 goal difference, while New Caledonia sits at the bottom with no points and a -16 goal difference.

If the Falconets win, they will have four points, greatly improving their chances of qualifying. They could even finish second if other results favor them, especially if Spain beats China. Finishing third might also be enough for one of the four best third-place slots across the six groups.