The Golden Boot race at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland has gathered momentum, with Nigeria’s Ramotalahi Kareem and Winner David emerging as major contenders after both Falconets forwards scored hat-tricks in the emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia.

Nigeria produced one of the tournament’s biggest attacking displays in their final Group F fixture, with Kareem and substitute David accounting for six of the Falconets’ 10 goals.  

Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before doubling her tally 10 minutes later as Nigeria raced into a commanding 4-0 half-time lead.

David, introduced at the beginning of the second half, joined the goal rush in the 60th minute before Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later.

The substitute then produced a stunning late burst, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes before completing her own hat-trick with Nigeria’s 10th goal in the 90th minute.  

Rebecca Adegbemile also made a significant contribution with a brace, while Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu completed the scoring for Nigeria.

The extraordinary attacking performance not only secured Nigeria’s passage into the Round of 16 but also thrust Kareem and David into the spotlight in the individual scoring race.

Kareem’s hat-trick was particularly significant after she had already shown her attacking threat earlier in the competition. Her three goals against New Caledonia took her tournament tally to four.

David, meanwhile, made maximum impact after coming off the bench, scoring three times to announce herself as another serious attacking option for coach Moses Aduku.

The pair’s exploits have added an intriguing dimension to Nigeria’s campaign, with both players now carrying considerable confidence into the knockout stage.

Nigeria finished second in Group F with four points, behind Spain, after a 2-0 opening defeat to the defending champions and a goalless draw against China. The victory over New Caledonia proved decisive, with the Falconets advancing ahead of China on goal difference.  

The Falconets will now face England in the Round of 16, with the knockout stage offering Kareem and David another opportunity to strengthen their claims for the Golden Boot.

For Nigeria, however, individual honours will take a back seat to the bigger objective of finally winning the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Falconets have twice reached the tournament final, but the coveted title has remained elusive. With Kareem and David now among the leading attacking threats, Nigeria will hope their goals can inspire a historic title-winning run in Poland.

The Golden Boot race is only beginning to heat up, but Nigeria already has two names firmly in the conversation.