Yusuf inspires Nigeria’s Flamingos to victory over North Korea

Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf scored her first goal of the tournament as Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated defending champions North Korea 3-1 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The FC Robo youngster produced an impressive individual display, curling a direct free-kick into the net in the second half to open her account in the competition.

Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award, while the result secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage.

Yusuf said the Flamingos had been determined to claim victory and were rewarded for their hard work and consistency.

“I feel so excited because we were determined that this is the result we wanted and we got it through hard work and consistency,” she said.

The win saw Nigeria finish second in their group with six points, progressing from a section that included the reigning champions.

Yusuf credited the team’s collective effort, as well as the coaching staff’s instructions, for helping the Flamingos overcome North Korea.

“We worked as a team and with the help of the coaches’ instructions we were able to get our result,” she added.

The midfielder also described her goal as a particularly memorable moment, having made her mark in a match that delivered the result Nigeria had been targeting.

“It was a good moment for me, scoring my first goal in this match. It is a remarkable memory for me and I am so much excited we got the win that we wanted,” Yusuf said.

Nigeria’s progression means the Flamingos will now prepare for the next phase of the tournament, with Yusuf calling on her team-mates to retain their focus.

The teenager said the squad must move on from the group-stage victory and continue to give their best in every match.

“We should keep our heads up. This we have played and it has gone. We just have to keep giving our best every time and every match.”

Yusuf will hope to build on her influential performance as Nigeria continue their pursuit of success at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.