Nigeria’s physical edge sends defending champions North Korea outclassed at U-17 World Cup

North Korea head coach Ji Yun-nam admitted his side could not match Nigeria’s physical strength after the defending champions were beaten 3-1 by the Flamingos at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The defeat came in North Korea’s final group-stage match on Friday, as Akeem Busari’s team produced an impressive display to secure a convincing victory.

Nigeria made the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi collected a pass on the left, held off a defender and calmly finished with her right foot.

The Flamingos increased their advantage shortly before half-time. Oluebube Umejiaku drove into the DPR Korea defence before placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong to make it 2-0.

North Korea responded with greater urgency after the interval and applied pressure as they searched for a route back into the game. Nigeria, however, remained composed and continued to pose a threat.

The African side restored their two-goal advantage through Kanyinsola Yusuf, who scored with a superbly executed free-kick.

North Korea pulled one goal back late on when Yu Jong-hyang converted a penalty, but Nigeria held firm to complete a 3-1 win.

Yun-nam targets improvement

The result highlighted areas North Korea must address before the knockout stage, according to Yun-nam, who said the match had demonstrated the demands of competing at the highest level.

“Playing against a strong team like Nigeria made me realise how challenging it is to compete at the world level,” Yun-nam told FIFA.

The North Korea coach also said the encounter had underlined the need for greater physical preparation when facing African opponents.

“Facing an African team also showed me that we need to prepare better in terms of strength. We will prepare well for the Round of 16 and aim to achieve a better result.”