Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 3–1 in their final Group B match.
The victory on Friday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, lifted Nigeria to second place in the group with six points from three matches.
North Korea topped the group, while Poland also advanced after defeating Puerto Rico 6–2.
The Flamingos took the lead in the 15th minute through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, whose individual effort put Nigeria ahead against the reigning champions.
Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage in the 38th minute after receiving a through ball from Tosin Rafiu and beating the advancing goalkeeper.
Nigeria extended its lead after the break when Kanyisola Yusuf scored the third goal, putting the team in a commanding position.
North Korea reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong-Hyang, who converted a penalty after a Nigerian defender handled the ball inside the penalty area.
The late goal did not prevent Nigeria from securing the victory and advancing to the knockout stage.
The result marked a significant response from the Nigerian side following its 2–1 opening defeat to Poland.
The Flamingos recovered in their second group match, defeating Puerto Rico 2–0. Adegbuyi opened the scoring in that encounter, while substitute Precious Oscar added a late header.
Nigeria’s victory over North Korea also ended the group stage on a positive note against a team that had won its opening two matches, scoring six goals against Puerto Rico and six against Poland.
The Flamingos, who won bronze at the 2022 edition of the competition, will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they seek to progress further in the tournament.
The team’s performance against North Korea demonstrated its ability to respond after an opening defeat and compete against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Nigeria will need to maintain its defensive discipline and attacking efficiency as the competition moves into the elimination rounds, where a single defeat could end its campaign.
