Flamingos headed into the Group B match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Morocco, needing at least a point to qualify for the next stage of the tournament. They lost their first game to Poland before beating Puerto Rico to revive their campaign.
Against North Korea, who had scored 12 goals in two matches, Coach Akeem Busari’s team took the lead in the 15th minute after a goal from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
The 16-year-old’s strike came after a brilliant run into the North Korean goal.
Nigeria doubled the lead in the 38th minute through Oluebube Umejiaku, who fired past goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong to compound woes for the two-time champions.
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Both teams headed into the second half with the Flamingos having the advantage.
Although North Korea fought with urgency to get back into the game, the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup bronze medallist withstood the pressure.
They made it three on the day through Kanyinsola Yusuf’s beautifully taken free kick. With eight minutes on the clock, North Korea got one back through Yu Jong-hyang’s penalty.
Despite the loss, North Korea finished top in the group due to scoring more goals. Flamingos ended up in second, while Poland came out third owing to an inferior goal difference – they had the same point as Nigeria.
The 2022 semi-finalists will now play against the second-placed side in Group F on October 29, 2026. Spain, Chile, Australia and Mexico.
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