North Korea head coach Ji Yun-nam has reacted to his team's defeat to the Flamingos of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.
The defending champions lost 3-1 to Akeem Busari's side in their last group game at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on Friday.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Olibube Umejiaku, and Kanyinsola Yusuf were on target for the Flamingos in the thrilling contest.
Jong Hyang scored North Korea's only goal of the game from the penalty spot.
North Korea topped Group B, with the Flamingos finishing second. Both teams ended the group stage with six points each, but the Asian side secured the top spot thanks to a superior goal difference.
Yun-nam said her players couldn't cope with the strength of the West Africans.
"Playing against a strong team like Nigeria made me realise how challenging it is to compete at the world level. Facing an African team also showed me that we need to prepare better in terms of strength. We will prepare well for the Round of 16 and aim to achieve a better result," Yun-nam told FIFA.
2026 U-17 WWC: North Korea coach reacts to defeat against Flamingos