U-17 World Cup: Flamingos face tough test against North Korea

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, face a tough test against defending champions North Korea on Friday as they seek to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The North Koreans have made a strong start to their title defence, winning both opening matches to top Group B with six points. They have scored 12 goals and conceded just once, underlining their attacking strength as they target a third title.

The Flamingos, bronze medallists in 2022, head into the contest seeking to build on their 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico after opening their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

Nigeria will need a disciplined performance against the two-time champions to keep their knockout-stage ambitions on track.

A draw or victory would put the Flamingos in a strong position to advance, while a defeat would leave their qualification hopes dependent on the outcome of the Poland-Puerto Rico match and the applicable tiebreakers.

The two teams have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria won their first encounter 3-2 in 2010, but Korea DPR claimed a 3-0 victory in their 2016 meeting.

Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to remain organised defensively, limit the Koreans’ attacking opportunities and take their chances when they arise.

The match is scheduled for Friday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, near Rabat, with kick-off listed for 3pm local time (4pm Nigerian time).