Nigeria set up Mexico last-16 tie after beating U-17 champions Korea DPR

Nigeria will face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after finishing second in Group B with six points.

The Flamingos secured their place in the knockout stage with a 3–1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR in their final group match. They will meet Mexico on Thursday, 29th of October, 2026, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

The match will be played in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 Nigerian time.

Nigeria began the tournament with a 2–1 defeat by Poland, before recovering with a 2–0 win against Puerto Rico. They completed the group stage with their most significant result, overcoming two-time champions Korea DPR 3–1.

Their three matches produced six goals for and four against, with two wins and one loss.

Victory over defending champions

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead in the 15th minute against Korea DPR.

The advantage was doubled in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku scored after being set up by Tosin Rafiu. Kanyinsola Yusuf then extended Nigeria’s lead to 3–0 with an excellent free-kick in the 56th minute.

Korea DPR pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang eight minutes from time, but Nigeria held on for the win.

Adegbuyi appeared to have scored a fourth for the Flamingos in the 88th minute. However, the goal was ruled out after a video review found a foul during the build-up.

Tight finish in Group B

Nigeria, Poland and Korea DPR all ended the group stage on six points. Nigeria finished second, while Poland also recorded six points after beating Puerto Rico 6–2.

Korea DPR had made an impressive start before meeting Nigeria, winning both of their opening matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one.

Nigeria’s win over the defending champions was their biggest result of the group stage and confirmed their qualification for the Round of 16.

The teams have now met three times at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria won the first encounter 3–2 in 2010, while Korea DPR claimed a 3–0 victory in 2016. Nigeria’s latest success means they lead the head-to-head record with two wins to Korea DPR’s one.

Mexico next

Nigeria’s previous best performance at the competition was a bronze medal in 2022. Their immediate target is to defeat Mexico and reach the quarter-finals.

The fixture will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, 29th of October, 2026, at 16:00 Nigerian time.