Nigeria’s Flamingos secured their place in 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 fixture at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Friday.
Goals from Kemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku in the first half, alongside a stunning free-kick from Kanyinsola Yusuf after the break, inspired Nigeria to a crucial victory, while Yu Jong Hyang’s late penalty proved insufficient to spark a North Korean comeback.
The result saw the Flamingos finish second in Group B with six points from three matches, behind North Korea, who topped the standings despite the defeat.
Nigeria headed into the encounter knowing that victory was essential to their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages after losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening game before recording a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico.
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Determined to secure qualification, the Nigerian youngsters made a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute through Adegbuyi, who latched onto an excellent through ball before taking a couple of touches and calmly slotting past goalkeeper Kim Son Gyong.
The Flamingos continued to trouble the North Korean defence and doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Umejiaku finished confidently after another defence-splitting pass opened up the opposition backline.
Nigeria carried their attacking threat into the second half and extended their lead in the 56th minute as Yusuf produced a superb free-kick to make it 3-0, putting the defending champions under considerable pressure.
North Korea pulled one back in the 82nd minute after being awarded a penalty, with Yu Jong Hyang converting from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-1 and set up a tense finish.
Adegbuyi appeared to have restored Nigeria’s three-goal advantage moments later when she found the net for a second time. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, denying the Flamingos a more comfortable finish.
North Korea pushed forward in search of another goal during the closing stages, but Nigeria held firm to claim an impressive victory and confirm their progression to the knockout phase.
In the other Group B fixture, Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6-2. However, the result was not enough to secure the European side a top-two finish, with Nigeria and North Korea advancing after all three teams finished level on six points. Poland’s inferior head-to-head goal difference among the three sides proved decisive.
With the group stage concluded, Nigeria will now face the runner-up in Group F (Mexico, Australia or Chile) in the round of 16. North Korea, meanwhile, will take on the best third-placed team from either Group A, C or D as the defending champions continue their title defence.
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