Nigeria beat defending champions North Korea to reach U-17 Women’s World Cup knockout stage

Nigeria’s Flamingos secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 win over defending champions North Korea in their final Group B fixture on Friday.

The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat ensured Nigeria finished second in the group, behind North Korea, and completed their campaign with three points from a match in which they led 2-0 at half-time.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave the Flamingos the lead after 15 minutes. She finished a move created by Mary Dunstan’s assist, putting Nigeria in front against a North Korean side that had won both of its opening matches.

Nigeria continued to threaten in attack and doubled their advantage three minutes before the interval. Oluebube Umejiaku converted Tosin Rafiu’s pass in the 38th minute, leaving the Flamingos in a strong position at the break.

North Korea had begun the tournament with victories over Puerto Rico and Poland, but the defending champions were unable to respond before half-time after conceding twice.

Nigeria maintained their momentum after the restart and added a third goal in the 58th minute. Kanyinsola Yusuf found the net to make it 3-0 and put the Flamingos firmly in control.

North Korea reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute when Yu Jong-Hyang scored, but Nigeria held on during the closing stages to claim the win.

The result completed a mixed group-stage campaign for Nigeria, who began with a 2-1 defeat by Poland before recovering to beat Puerto Rico 2-0.

Their success against North Korea means the Flamingos advance to the knockout phase as Group B runners-up, while the defending champions finish above them in the section.