Flamingos beat North Korea to reach Under-17 Women’s World Cup last 16

Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Friday to secure a place in the round of 16.

A first-half brace from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku’s goal put Nigeria 3-0 ahead before Kanyinsola Yusuf added a fourth goal early in the second half. Jong Hyang Yu scored a late consolation for North Korea after a Video Assistant Referee review.

The result moved the Flamingos into second place in the group and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage. North Korea still finished top despite the defeat, having won their opening matches against debutants Puerto Rico 6-0 and Poland 6-1.

Poland finished third after beating Puerto Rico 6-2 in the other Group B fixture, which was played at the same time.

Nigeria had needed a positive result after beginning the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Poland and a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico.

The Flamingos made the stronger start and went ahead after 15 minutes. Adegbuyi collected a floated pass from the left, moved inside the penalty area and placed her finish beyond the goalkeeper.

Nigeria doubled their lead three minutes before half-time. Umejiaku was released through the middle and held her composure to beat the goalkeeper, who had advanced from her line.

Yusuf made it 3-0 in the 56th minute with a well-struck free-kick, leaving North Korea with a difficult task in the closing stages.

The defending champions reduced the deficit with eight minutes remaining when Yu found the net following a consultation with the Video Assistant Referee.

Match details

Nigeria 3-1 North Korea

Scorers: Nigeria – Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (15 minutes), Oluebube Umejiaku (38), Kanyinsola Yusuf (56); North Korea – Jong Hyang Yu (82).

Nigeria started with Jane Ijirigho, Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Awawu BASHIRU replaced Mary Dunstan in the 65th minute, while Precious Oscar came on for Queen Joseph in the 84th. Nigeria’s head coach was Akeem Busari.

North Korea lined up with Son Gyong Kim, Kyong Ryong Pak, Pok Rim Ri, Chong Gum EH, Ui Gyong Ri, Kyong Im Ri, Ye Rim Ri, Ju Gyong Kim, Jong Hyang Yu, Won Yong Song and Won Sim Kim.

Sol Gyong replaced Ui Gyong Ri after 52 minutes, Ye Rim So came on for Ye Rim Ri in the 67th minute, and Yu Song Ri replaced Ju Gyong Kim in the 87th. North Korea were managed by Yun Nam Ji.