Flamingos stun champions North Korea 3-1 to reach U-17 World Cup last 16

Nigeria’s Flamingos knocked defending champions North Korea out of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 3-1 victory in their final Group B fixture in Morocco on Friday, securing a place in the Round of 16.

The Nigerian girls produced a commanding performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, scoring three goals to eliminate one of the tournament favourites and boost their hopes of winning their first-ever title.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, continuing her impressive form after finding the net in Nigeria’s previous match against Puerto Rico.

Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute, leaving the defending champions facing a two-goal deficit at half-time.

The Flamingos maintained their attacking intensity after the break, with Kanyinsola Yusuf extending the lead in the 56th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control at 3-0.

North Korea reduced the deficit eight minutes from time when Yu Jong Hyang converted a penalty in the 82nd minute, but the Flamingos held on to seal a memorable victory.

Despite the defeat, both teams finished the group stage on six points. North Korea, however, topped Group B on goal difference, while Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage after recovering from their opening-match defeat.

The result marked a significant turnaround for coach Akeem Busari’s side, who began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Poland before bouncing back with victories over Puerto Rico and North Korea.

Adegbuyi has now scored in consecutive matches, while Umejiaku registered her second goal of the tournament after also scoring against Poland.

The victory over the reigning champions will provide the Flamingos with a significant confidence boost ahead of the Round of 16, where they will aim to sustain their momentum and move closer to a maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown.