Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after producing an impressive 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea in their final Group B match.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a disciplined performance in defence and took their chances clinically to defeat the back-to-back champions and secure their place in the knockout stage.
The result leaves Nigeria second in Group B with six points from three matches, behind North Korea, who finished top of the group. Poland also progressed after beating Puerto Rico 6-2 to finish third.
Kemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead in the 15th minute with an excellent solo effort, continuing her impressive form at the tournament.
The goal was her second of the competition, following her strike against Puerto Rico in the previous match.
Nigeria doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time when Oluebube Umejiaku collected a through ball and fired past the advancing North Korean goalkeeper in the 38th minute.
The Flamingos carried their momentum into the second half, with Kanyisola Yusuf making it 3-0 in the 56th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control.
North Korea managed to pull a goal back in the 82nd minute after a Nigerian defender handled the ball inside the penalty area. The Asian side converted the resulting spot kick to reduce the deficit.
Adegbuyi appeared to have completed her brace two minutes from time, but a VAR review ruled out the goal after an infringement by a Nigerian player in the build-up.
Despite the late setback, Nigeria held on for a memorable victory against the reigning champions and confirmed their progress to the next round.
The Flamingos will face the runners-up from Group F in the Round of 16 on Thursday, with Mexico, Chile and Australia all in contention for that position.
