Nigeria’s Flamingos delivered a commanding performance against defending champions North Korea, winning 3-1 to book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The decisive Group B encounter, played on Friday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, tested Nigeria’s ability to respond under pressure. After losing to Poland in their second group match, the Nigerian youngsters knew victory was essential to secure their passage to the next round.
They responded with three goals and a performance that demonstrated their attacking strength against one of the tournament’s most formidable sides.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the breakthrough in the 15th minute, putting Akeem Busari’s team on course for a result that would revive their campaign. The Flamingos maintained their momentum and doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku exploited North Korea’s high defensive line before calmly beating the goalkeeper.
Nigeria returned from the break with the same determination, and Kanyisola Yusuf extended the lead in the 56th minute, placing the Flamingos firmly in control at 3-0.
North Korea reduced the deficit through a penalty in the 82nd minute, creating a late test for the Nigerian defence. However, the Flamingos held their ground for the remainder of the match, protecting their advantage and securing a victory that guaranteed their progression.
The result carries keen meaning given Nigeria’s position heading into the final group fixture. The team had opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico but suffered a setback against Poland, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on a strong response against the reigning champions.
Busari’s side delivered precisely that, turning a difficult group-stage situation into a place among the competition’s knockout contenders.
Nigeria finished second in Group B, behind North Korea, who claimed top spot on goals scored. Poland placed third despite ending the group stage level on points with the two teams above them.
With the group stage now behind them, the Flamingos will look to carry the confidence from their victory over the defending champions into the knockout rounds as they continue Nigeria’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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