Adegbuyi inspires Flamingos to crucial win over Puerto Rico at U-17 World Cup

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi scored her first goal at a global tournament as Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The result gave the 2022 bronze medallists their first win of the competition and set up a decisive Group B meeting with defending champions DPR Korea on Friday.

Nigeria made the stronger start and took the lead in the 25th minute. Queen Joseph created the opening for Adegbuyi, who finished clinically to put the Flamingos in front.

Puerto Rico were unable to find a response, and Nigeria made sure of all three points after the interval. Substitute Precious Oscar rose to meet a well-delivered cross from Adegbuyi and headed in the second goal.

Adegbuyi, who was named Player of the Match, said she was delighted to have opened her account on football’s biggest stage.

Speaking to FIFA.com after the match, she acknowledged the difficulty of the contest but praised Nigeria’s efforts in securing an important result.

“The game was not easy for us, but we tried our best and we were able to get the three points today. I’m happy and very excited because this is my first goal in these tournaments, on the biggest stage.”

The forward also said the goal carried special significance for her family and her country, while indicating that she hopes to contribute further during the tournament.

“I’m very happy to score here, on the biggest stage of my life, because this is just the beginning. I promise to make my family and the whole nation proud.”

Nigeria’s victory puts them in position to progress from Group B, but their final group fixture against DPR Korea will determine their next step in the competition.