Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B fixture on Friday, 23 October. The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé marked a significant turnaround for head coach Akeem Busari’s side, who entered the decisive encounter needing a positive result after losing their opening match to Poland before recovering with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Nigeria an early advantage against a North Korean team that had scored 12 goals in its first two matches.
The Flamingos strengthened their grip on the contest when Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute, finishing a move created by Tosin Rafiu. Nigeria continued to press after the interval, with Kanyinsola Yusuf extending the advantage to 3-0 in the 56th minute through a well-executed free kick. North Korea, also known as Korea DPR, reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute when Yu Jong-hyang converted a penalty, but Nigeria held firm through the closing stages. The result ended the defending champions’ winning run in the group and demonstrated Nigeria’s ability to compete with one of the tournament’s most formidable sides. Yusuf was named Player of the Match for her performance, according to Channels Television.
Nigeria finished second in Group B with six points, level with North Korea and Poland, but advanced behind the group leaders on the applicable tiebreaking criteria. Poland also qualified for the knockout stage after defeating Puerto Rico 6-2 in the other final group fixture. The Flamingos, who won bronze at the 2022 edition, will now face the runners-up from Group F on 29 October, with Spain, Chile, Australia and Mexico competing in that group. The victory gives Nigeria renewed momentum as they pursue another deep run at the tournament and their first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
