Nigeria’s Falconets have produced two new contenders for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem each took their tournament tallies to three goals in an emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian duo have both scored three times during the group stage and now find themselves among the leading scorers as the competition moves into the knockout rounds.

Argentina’s Annika Paz currently sits at the top of the scoring chart with five goals.

Six players are one goal behind her on four, including China PR’s Huang Jiaxin, England’s Rachel Maltby, North Korea’s Choe Yon-a, as well as Spain’s Pau Comendador and Celia Segura.

David and Kareem are part of a larger group of players who have three goals each.

They are joined by Romaine Gandonou of Benin, Canada’s Annabelle Chukwu, France’s Justine Rouquet, Poland’s Zuzanna Grzywi?ska, Spain’s Marísa García and United States duo Alex Buck and Kennedy Fuller.

The tournament has already produced an impressive number of goals, with 149 scored across 36 matches following the completion of Matchday 3.

That represents an average of 4.14 goals per game, underlining the attacking quality on display at the tournament.

Nigeria’s progression to the knockout stage gives David and Kareem more opportunities to add to their respective tallies and close the gap on the players currently ahead of them.

Following their impressive group-stage performances, both Nigerian forwards will be hoping to continue their scoring form when the Falconets enter the decisive stage of their World Cup campaign.

With Nigeria still chasing success on the global stage, the goals of David and Kareem could prove crucial to the team’s hopes of going deep into the tournament.

Amas Obasogie marked his return to domestic football with a victory as Bendel Insurance defeated Kun Khalifat 4-2 in their EuroMatch–NPFL 2026/2027 Matchday 3 meeting at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper, who previously played for Singida Black Stars FC in Tanzania, made his first appearance for Bendel Insurance since returning to the domestic top flight.

His comeback had initially been delayed by paperwork, but the Bendel Insurance hierarchy accelerated the process of securing international clearance for the former Tanzania-based goalkeeper.

Obasogie was named captain for the match and was pleased to help the Benin Arsenal secure maximum points, despite conceding twice.

“It’s good to be back. There’s no place like home. Bendel Insurance is always a home. That’s where I started off from,” Obasogie told reporters after the match.

“It’s where I belong. It’s my own pleasure to come back to help the club to get back to where it really belongs.”

The 26-year-old, who has also played for Ethiopian club Fasil Kenema Sport Club, said the result mattered more than his failure to keep a clean sheet.

He also acknowledged that Bendel Insurance had been tested by their opponents, despite the final scoreline.

“It wasn’t an easy game. Kun Khalifat is a strong team. But we gave it our all and made the most of our scoring chances,” he added.

Bendel Insurance claim six-goal victory

Bendel Insurance took the lead five minutes into the game when Alex Oweilayefa opened the scoring.

Suraju Lawal, who has previously represented Heartland and Abia Warriors, doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 19th minute.

Chinedu Nwosu extended Bendel Insurance’s lead two minutes after the restart, putting the home side 3-0 ahead.

Kun Khalifat, known as the Pride of Imolites, pulled a goal back through Uchechukwu Onuoha eight minutes after the hour mark.

Nwosu restored Bendel Insurance’s three-goal advantage in the 71st minute when he converted a penalty to complete his brace.

Ebetomame scored in the 85th minute to reduce the deficit again and set the final score at 4-2.

The victory gives Bendel Insurance a positive platform ahead of their next fixture, when they travel to newly promoted Ranchers Bees for a Matchday 4 encounter this weekend.

Kun Khalifat will also be at home, hosting Rangers International in an Oriental Derby at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Amas Obasogie marked his return to domestic football with a victory as Bendel Insurance defeated Kun Khalifat 4-2 in their EuroMatch–NPFL 2026/2027 Matchday 3 meeting at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper, who previously played for Singida Black Stars FC in Tanzania, made his first appearance for Bendel Insurance since returning to the domestic top flight.

His comeback had initially been delayed by paperwork, but the Bendel Insurance hierarchy accelerated the process of securing international clearance for the former Tanzania-based goalkeeper.

Obasogie was named captain for the match and was pleased to help the Benin Arsenal secure maximum points, despite conceding twice.

“It’s good to be back. There’s no place like home. Bendel Insurance is always a home. That’s where I started off from,” Obasogie told reporters after the match.

“It’s where I belong. It’s my own pleasure to come back to help the club to get back to where it really belongs.”

The 26-year-old, who has also played for Ethiopian club Fasil Kenema Sport Club, said the result mattered more than his failure to keep a clean sheet.

He also acknowledged that Bendel Insurance had been tested by their opponents, despite the final scoreline.

“It wasn’t an easy game. Kun Khalifat is a strong team. But we gave it our all and made the most of our scoring chances,” he added.

Bendel Insurance claim six-goal victory

Bendel Insurance took the lead five minutes into the game when Alex Oweilayefa opened the scoring.

Suraju Lawal, who has previously represented Heartland and Abia Warriors, doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 19th minute.

Chinedu Nwosu extended Bendel Insurance’s lead two minutes after the restart, putting the home side 3-0 ahead.

Kun Khalifat, known as the Pride of Imolites, pulled a goal back through Uchechukwu Onuoha eight minutes after the hour mark.

Nwosu restored Bendel Insurance’s three-goal advantage in the 71st minute when he converted a penalty to complete his brace.

Ebetomame scored in the 85th minute to reduce the deficit again and set the final score at 4-2.

The victory gives Bendel Insurance a positive platform ahead of their next fixture, when they travel to newly promoted Ranchers Bees for a Matchday 4 encounter this weekend.

Kun Khalifat will also be at home, hosting Rangers International in an Oriental Derby at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Kun Khalifat FC captain Joseph Ameh says his side will use their 4-2 Nigeria Premier Football League defeat by Bendel Insurance as motivation for the rest of the campaign.

Kun Khalifat were beaten in Benin City after Bendel Insurance scored four times, although the visitors managed two goals of their own.

Bendel Insurance took control early when Alex Oweiyalefa headed in the opening goal in the fifth minute. Suraju Lawal then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 19th minute, leaving Kun Khalifat with a difficult task before half-time.

The Benin Arsenal continued their strong start after the interval, with Chinedu Nwosu scoring almost immediately after the restart to make it 3-0 in the 46th minute.

Kun Khalifat were given an opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot but missed their first spot-kick. They eventually converted another penalty to pull a goal back.

Nwosu restored Bendel Insurance’s three-goal lead in the 66th minute by completing his brace. Kun Khalifat scored again late on, but the hosts held on to secure all three points and complete a convincing victory.

Despite the result, Ameh struck a positive tone as he reflected on the defeat and the lessons it offered his team during a long and competitive NPFL season.

In a message shared through the club’s X handle, the captain said the setback would not define Kun Khalifat’s campaign.

“Losing a game is not the end of the season. I think this loss will be motivation for me and my teammates.”

Nigeria’s Falconets have reached Bielsko-Bia?a ahead of their 2026 U-20 WWC Round of 16 match against England.

The knockout tie will be played at Bielsko-Biala Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigeria time.

Moses Aduku’s team booked their place in the last 16 with a commanding 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group C fixture. The result ensured Nigeria advanced to the knockout phase in emphatic fashion.

The Falconets began their campaign in Sosnowiec, where they faced Spain and China, before moving to Lodz for their concluding group match against New Caledonia, who are competing at the tournament for the first time.

England qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B on four points. Brazil topped the section.

Nigeria will now attempt to continue their strong run when they meet England for a place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s Falconets have reached Bielsko-Bia?a ahead of their 2026 U-20 WWC Round of 16 match against England.

The knockout tie will be played at Bielsko-Biala Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigeria time.

Moses Aduku’s team booked their place in the last 16 with a commanding 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group C fixture. The result ensured Nigeria advanced to the knockout phase in emphatic fashion.

The Falconets began their campaign in Sosnowiec, where they faced Spain and China, before moving to Lodz for their concluding group match against New Caledonia, who are competing at the tournament for the first time.

England qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B on four points. Brazil topped the section.

Nigeria will now attempt to continue their strong run when they meet England for a place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s Falconets have reached Bielsko-Bia?a ahead of their 2026 U-20 WWC Round of 16 match against England.

The knockout tie will be played at Bielsko-Biala Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigeria time.

Moses Aduku’s team booked their place in the last 16 with a commanding 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group C fixture. The result ensured Nigeria advanced to the knockout phase in emphatic fashion.

The Falconets began their campaign in Sosnowiec, where they faced Spain and China, before moving to Lodz for their concluding group match against New Caledonia, who are competing at the tournament for the first time.

England qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B on four points. Brazil topped the section.

Nigeria will now attempt to continue their strong run when they meet England for a place in the quarter-finals.

Victor Osimhen went all out to celebrate his wife, Kim Stefanie, as the Super Eagles striker hosted a lavish birthday celebration for her in Istanbul, surrounded by family and close friends, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

One of the memorable moments of the celebration came when Stefanie Kim Ladewig joined Osimhen to blow out the candles on her birthday cake.

The Nigeria international has often expressed his affection for his wife, whom he fondly calls “My Queen.”

Osimhen and Kim Stefanie have been together for more than eight years, with their relationship dating back to 2018 when the striker was still at German club Wolfsburg.

Stefanie previously worked as a cheerleader for Wolfsburg and has since built a career as a model, influencer and entrepreneur.

She has German and Cameroonian roots and has largely maintained a low profile despite her relationship with one of Nigeria’s most recognisable footballers.

The couple have a daughter, Hailey, who was born in October 2022.

Osimhen and Stefanie have generally kept their family life away from the public spotlight, choosing to maintain a relatively private relationship despite the striker’s high-profile football career.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is preparing to widen the pool of players available to Nigeria’s U23 national team, with about 10 young talents based in Europe and other foreign leagues expected to be considered ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chelle, who also oversees the U23 side, is expected to use Nigeria’s proposed international friendly against Russia on October 6 as an important opportunity to assess several players who could form the backbone of the Olympic team.

Nigeria have a proud history in Olympic men’s football, winning the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games before claiming silver at Beijing 2008.

The Franco-Malian coach has reportedly already identified a number of young players he wants to assess, with talents competing in different leagues across Europe and beyond featuring on his list.

Among those being considered are FC Alverca left-back Isaac James, Saudi Arabia-based striker George Ilenikhena, Sabah winger Christian Nwachukwu and KV Mechelen forward Ayodele Adeshina.

The Russia fixture could therefore serve a dual purpose for Chelle, allowing him to assess the younger players while also beginning preparations for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The U23 AFCON qualifiers are particularly important because the tournament provides the route through which African teams can secure places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria are expected to have separate priorities during the forthcoming international window. While the senior Super Eagles concentrate on their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, the younger players could form the core of the squad for the Russia friendly.

Chelle is expected to return to Nigeria as preparations for the AFCON qualifiers gather pace, but work on identifying eligible U23 players is already continuing behind the scenes.

Sources close to the team indicate that the coaching staff have been monitoring several promising Nigerian players at clubs across Europe and other foreign leagues as they seek to create a strong pool of options for the Olympic qualifying campaign.

The coach is also expected to extend his search to the domestic league, with plans to attend selected NPFL matches in the coming weeks.

The move would give young players in Nigeria’s top flight an opportunity to attract the attention of the national team handlers, alongside their counterparts playing abroad.

Chelle’s approach is expected to create a broader pathway into the U23 setup and help Nigeria build a competitive squad capable of challenging for qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Benjamin Fredrick is expected to make his first competitive appearance for Brentford when they face Reading in the Carabao Cup tonight.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews confirmed the Nigeria defender is likely to feature after being left out of the club’s B-team match on Sunday.

“He hasn’t had a lot of football. We decided not to play him yesterday (Sunday) in the B team game to make sure he was in the right place to be available today,” Andrews said at his pre-match press conference.

“I anticipate he’ll be involved.”

Fredrick, 21, joined Brentford on loan from Simoiben Football Academy in August 2023. The Premier League club completed a permanent move for him in April 2024.

He was first named in Brentford’s senior matchday squad in January 2024, when he was an unused substitute for their FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The defender then spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Belgian club Dender EH as he continued his development.

That campaign was ended prematurely after Fredrick suffered an injury while representing Nigeria on international duty in November. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season and meant he missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third.

Having completed his recovery, Fredrick is now in contention to make his long-awaited competitive debut for Brentford against Reading.

Nigerian forward Gift Orban says newly promoted Amedspor are not intimidated by the prospect of facing Turkish giants Besiktas on Sunday.

Orban’s comments came after he scored a hat-trick in just 23 minutes as Amedspor recorded a 5-0 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in their latest Turkish Super Lig match.

The forward, who is on loan from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, has made an immediate impact since joining Amedspor. His goals have helped the club move into a surprise top-three position after collecting 10 points from their opening five games.

Amedspor’s emphatic win over Istanbul Basaksehir extended their strong start and set up a demanding home fixture against Besiktas, who will visit on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Orban acknowledged the quality of their opponents but insisted Amedspor would approach the match with determination rather than fear.

“Yes, we will play against a big team. They have big players, but we go out to fight the match.

“We will be the side that wants to fight and win in the next match.”

The match will give Amedspor the opportunity to measure their early-season progress against one of Turkish football’s biggest clubs. Their confidence has been boosted by the five-goal win and Orban’s outstanding individual display.

The 23-minute hat-trick was the latest sign of the forward’s influence since arriving on loan, while Amedspor’s position among the top three has added significance to their return to the Turkish Super Lig.

Besiktas represent a different level of challenge, but Orban says Amedspor intend to maintain the aggressive approach that has taken them to 10 points from five matches.

Nigeria winger Hilary Gong has left Spartak Trnava and joined the ranks of unattached players after ending his time with the Slovakian club on 14 September 2026.

The 27-year-old right winger had been with Spartak since July 2025, when he arrived from Polish side Widzew Lodz on a free transfer. His departure comes shortly after the start of the 2026-27 campaign, in which he made three appearances for the club across domestic and European competition.

Gong played twice in the Uefa Conference League qualifying rounds, featuring for a total of 85 minutes, and made one appearance in the Nike Liga. He did not score or register an assist in those outings.

His European involvement accounted for the majority of his minutes this season. Gong played 40% of Spartak's available minutes in Conference League qualifying, while his appearance in the Nike Liga represented 6% of the club's league minutes. He was not involved in Spartak's Slovnaft Cup matches.

Born in Zawan, Nigeria, Gong is a right-footed attacker listed at 1.69m. He began his senior career with GBS Academy before moving to AS Trencin in January 2017. He returned to the Slovak club in July 2023 after spells with Vitesse, Haugesund and Ararat-Armenia.

Gong's career also includes a period at Widzew Lodz, who signed him from AS Trencin in July 2024 for €300,000. He spent one season with Widzew before switching to Spartak, where he continued his career as a wide attacking player.

His highest recorded market value was €450,000, while his current valuation stood at €225,000 before his departure from Spartak. The available transfer record does not attach a fee to his exit.

Gong's move away from Spartak brings his tenure at the club to an end after just over a year and leaves the Nigerian available for his next club.

Kun Khalifat head coach Obinna Uzoho says there is no reason to panic despite his side remaining without a win after the opening three matches of the new Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The Owerri-based club have collected two points so far and suffered their first defeat of the campaign on Sunday, losing 4-2 to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The result leaves Kun Khalifat 14th in the NPFL table, with two points from their first three games. However, Uzoho believes the team have enough time to recover from their difficult beginning.

The coach told his players to stay focused after the defeat and said he would use the time ahead to address the problems within the squad.

“I’m going back home to make sure we put everything right. You know, this season has just started,” Uzoho was quoted as saying by the NPFL’s official website.

“I want to do more this season because last season was tough for me.”

Uzoho’s side will have an immediate opportunity to secure their first victory when they return to action on Sunday.

Kun Khalifat will host fellow Oriental club Rangers at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, with the fixture also serving as a regional derby.

The meeting provides Kun Khalifat with the chance to respond to their heavy defeat by Bendel Insurance and move away from the lower reaches of the early NPFL standings.

Maduka Okoye admitted Inter’s attacking quality proved decisive after Udinese surrendered an early two-goal lead and lost 5-3 at San Siro.

Udinese made an impressive start, scoring twice within the opening 15 minutes to put the hosts under immediate pressure.

James Abankwah gave the visitors the lead before Jurgen Ekkelenkamp extended their advantage. However, Inter responded quickly and levelled the match within 10 minutes through Carlos Augusto and Niccolo Barella.

The turnaround was completed by Marcus Thuram, who put Inter in front for the first time three minutes before the hour mark.

Inter continued to press after taking the lead, with Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny finding the net to establish a 5-2 advantage for the Serie A champions.

Udinese scored again in stoppage time through Idrissa Gueye, but the late goal could not prevent the visitors from leaving Milan without a point.

Okoye said Udinese had found it difficult to contain Inter’s relentless approach, while also acknowledging that his own side had created opportunities during the match.

“It’s always difficult against Inter at San Siro. They play very attacking football and don’t stop even after scoring three or four goals. We also had our chances, but they are too strong,” the goalkeeper told Udinese’s official website.

The result leaves Udinese on four points. Their next Serie A fixture is against Cagliari at the Bluenergy Stadium on Saturday.

Nigerian midfielder David Idowu is the subject of transfer interest from Club Africain, with the 26-year-old currently contracted to Bulgarian side Arda Kardzhali.

Idowu plays as a defensive midfielder and has made eight appearances in the efbet Liga this season, contributing one assist. He has started 33% of Arda’s possible league matches and has played 49% of the available minutes.

The reported interest from Club Africain would see Idowu move from Bulgaria’s efbet Liga to Tunisia’s Ligue 1. No transfer fee or probability has been given, while his current market value is listed at €650,000.

Idowu joined Arda Kardzhali on 25 October 2024 after a spell without a club. He had previously played for Latvian side Daugavpils, joining them from Real Sapphire in 2019 before leaving at the beginning of 2023.

The midfielder’s contract with Arda runs until 30 June 2027, meaning any move would likely require an agreement between the clubs rather than a free transfer. For now, the proposed switch remains at the rumour stage, with Idowu continuing to be registered as an Arda Kardzhali player.

Nigerian centre-back Nduka Junior, who plays for Al-Najaf FC, is the subject of reported interest from SC Delhi over a possible move to the Indian Super League.

The 23-year-old defender joined Al-Najaf in January 2026 after leaving fellow Iraqi side Erbil SC. He has made 24 appearances in the Iraq Stars League, providing one assist, since moving to the country.

Junior began his senior career with Remo Stars and was part of the side that won the Nigerian championship in the 2024-25 season. He made 121 appearances in the Nigerian Professional Football League, scoring six goals and registering five assists, before departing for Erbil in August 2025.

The reported approach from SC Delhi would represent another move abroad for Junior, who has played for clubs in Nigeria and Iraq. The defender is right-footed and operates centrally, having also featured in continental competition during his time in Nigeria and Iraq.

The link with SC Delhi was reported on 14 September, but there has been no confirmation of an agreement or transfer fee. Junior’s current market value is listed at €150,000, while he remains an Al-Najaf FC player.

Nigeria Premier Football League club Doma United have signed Chadian striker Bobandi Hyacinthe Cafusa.

The Gombe-based side announced the move in a statement published on their official website on Monday, confirming that Cafusa will wear the number 17 shirt.

“Bobandi Hyacinthe Cafusa is a Chadian striker who was born on 23rd December 2002,” Doma United said. “He brings a strong physical presence to the Club’s attack, known as a target man with a real aerial threat in and around the box.

“Bobandi will wear the number 17 jersey. His style adds a different dimension to our forward line, giving the team an additional option to hold up play, win aerial duels, and create scoring opportunities as the Club continues its push through the 2026/2027 NPFL season.”

Doma United said Cafusa’s physicality and aerial ability would provide an alternative option in attack as they continue their campaign in the 2026/2027 NPFL season.

John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea’s failure to complete a key signing last summer is now hurting Xabi Alonso’s side in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea midfielder and Nigeria international says the absence of Moises Caicedo has left the team less balanced after an encouraging start to the season under their new manager.

Chelsea’s recent form has dipped, with a defeat by Arsenal followed by a 2-2 home draw against newly promoted Hull City. They have scored freely so far, but defensive weakness remains a concern.

The Blues have found the net 18 times and conceded 12 goals in six matches across all competitions.

Alonso recruited World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Maxence Lacroix during the summer in an attempt to strengthen Chelsea’s defence. However, Mikel believes the midfield remains a major problem while Caicedo is unavailable.

The Ecuador international has played only 14 minutes this season because of a calf injury.

Speaking on the Obi One podcast, Mikel said Chelsea would become considerably more solid once Caicedo returned.

“We are missing Moises Caicedo. When we get him back, I think we will be a much, much more solid team,” he said.

Mikel identified Caicedo’s ability to protect the defence and disrupt opponents’ attacks as central to Chelsea’s structure.

“He is that guy that breaks up play, that makes sure that our back-four is well protected. Our back four is solid,” added the Chelsea legend.

The former Super Eagles player also highlighted the midfielder’s work when Chelsea regain possession, including his energy, forward running and ability to initiate attacks.

“That energy that he brings, break-up plays, setting up plays, driving the ball forward, just what Declan Rice is doing for Arsenal. That’s what Moises Caicedo brings for us, and he’s been an absolutely huge miss,” he said.

Mikel was confident that Caicedo’s return would have an immediate effect on Chelsea’s performances, despite the defensive reinforcements brought in during the transfer window.

“As soon as he comes back, I think we’ll be a much better team. There’s absolutely no question about it,” he said.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen could resume training this week and potentially return to the squad for the meeting with Trabzonspor, following an intensive treatment programme for his injury.

The Super Eagles forward was injured during Galatasaray’s 3-2 away victory against Basaksehir. He had initially been expected to miss approximately three weeks, raising concerns over his availability for the Trabzonspor derby.

However, there has been a positive update on Osimhen’s recovery. TRT Spor reports that his return to training will depend on the assessment and report of Galatasaray’s medical team.

If that report is favourable, the striker may be included in the squad for the Trabzonspor match.

Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku says the Falconets are ready to overcome England and keep their hopes of winning the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alive when the teams meet in the Round of 16 in Bielsko-Biala on Thursday.

England reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B with four points, behind group winners Brazil. Their progress has set up a difficult last-16 tie against a Nigeria side that recovered strongly after a disappointing opening to the tournament.

The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Spain before being held to a goalless draw by China. They secured their place in the last 16 in emphatic fashion, however, defeating tournament debutants New Caledonia 10-1 in their final group match.

That result provided a significant boost to Nigeria’s goal difference and confidence, although Aduku acknowledged that his team still have defensive problems to resolve before facing England.

“We’re really happy with the goals we scored today. We wanted to get through to the last 16, and we’ve shown that we can do it,” Aduku told FIFA.

“We’ve shipped a few too many goals in this tournament so far, so we’ll be looking to shore things up at the back.”

The coach said the emphatic victory demonstrated the team’s ability to respond after the setbacks against Spain and China, but accepted that the standard of opposition will rise in the knockout stages.

England came through a group containing Brazil and finished with four points, making them a formidable opponent for the Falconets. Nigeria must now produce another strong performance if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.

Aduku expects a demanding contest but believes his players understand what is required if they are to remain in contention for the title.

“It’s going to be a tough test,” he said.

“If you want to be crowned champions, you’ve got to win every game. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Nigeria’s route to the knockout stage has therefore included a defeat, a draw and a convincing win. Their meeting with England will be the first opportunity for the Falconets to show whether the momentum created by the 10-1 victory can carry them through the tournament’s decisive phase.

The match in Bielsko-Biala represents a straight fight for a place in the last eight, with Aduku’s side seeking to combine their attacking improvement with greater defensive discipline.