Nigeria reach U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 after beating holders Korea DPR

Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 3-1 win over defending champions Korea DPR on Friday.

The result gave Akeem Busari’s side a memorable victory against the two-time reigning champions and completed their group-stage campaign with six points.

Nigeria took the lead in the 15th minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished to give the Flamingos an early advantage. They increased their control of the match shortly before half-time, with Oluebube Umejiaku converting an assist from Tosin Rafiu in the 38th minute.

Kanyinsola Yusuf then put Nigeria 3-0 ahead in the 56th minute with an excellent free-kick, leaving Korea DPR facing a substantial deficit.

The holders managed to reduce the arrears in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong Hyang, but Nigeria protected their lead to claim a significant win and progress to the knockout stage.

Adegbuyi thought she had scored a second goal in the 88th minute, which would have made it 4-1, but the referee overturned the decision after a video review because of a foul in the build-up.

The Flamingos began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Poland before responding with a 2-0 victory against Puerto Rico in their second Group B match. Their win over Korea DPR was enough to take them through despite a three-way tie at the top of the group.

Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6-2 in the other Group B fixture, leaving Poland, Nigeria and Korea DPR with six points each at the end of the group stage.