Flamingos Beat Defending Champions North Korea 3-1, Reach World Cup Last 16

Nigeria’s Flamingos have advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B match on Friday.

The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, earned Nigeria second place in the group with six points from three matches.

North Korea, who had won their opening two games, finished top of the group, while Poland also progressed after thrashing Puerto Rico 6-2 to finish third.

The Flamingos delivered an impressive performance, combining disciplined defending with clinical finishing to overcome the reigning champions.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 15th minute with a brilliant solo effort, giving the Nigerian side an early advantage.

Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute, converting a through ball from Tosin Rafiu to beat the advancing North Korean goalkeeper.

Nigeria continued their dominance after the break, with Kanyisola Yusuf extending the lead to 3-0 and putting the Flamingos firmly in control of the encounter.

North Korea pulled one goal back in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong-Hyang, who converted a penalty after a Nigerian defender handled the ball inside the box.

The result marked a strong recovery for Nigeria following their 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening fixture.

The Flamingos subsequently bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico, with Adegbuyi opening the scoring in the 25th minute before substitute Precious Oscar sealed the win with a late header from Adegbuyi’s cross.

Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2022 edition of the competition, will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their pursuit of the title.