Nigeria’s Flamingos will play Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating defending champions Korea DPR 3–1 in Morocco.

The result gave Akeem Busari’s side six points from Group B and ended Korea DPR’s perfect start to the tournament. The North Koreans had won their first two matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one.

Nigeria made a fast start when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi put them ahead in the 15th minute. Their advantage was doubled shortly before half-time, as Oluebube Umejiaku converted an assist from Tosin Rafiu in the 38th minute.

Kanyinsola Yusuf then extended the lead with a superb free-kick in the 56th minute, putting the Flamingos firmly in control.

Korea DPR pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria held on for a notable victory. Adegbuyi thought she had scored a fourth in the 88th minute, although the goal was ruled out after a video review identified a foul in the build-up.

The Flamingos will now face Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals as they aim to improve on the bronze medal they won at the 2022 edition. Their meeting with Mexico will be another test of the attacking quality and defensive discipline they showed against the two-time champions.

Nigeria had begun their Group B campaign with a 2–1 defeat by Poland before responding with a 2–0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico. They finished with two wins and one loss, scoring six goals and conceding four for a goal difference of +2.

Korea DPR, Poland and Nigeria all ended the group stage on six points. Korea DPR and Nigeria advanced to the Round of 16, while Poland also progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Puerto Rico were eliminated.

Poland beat Puerto Rico 6–2 in the other final group match to finish with two wins, one loss, nine goals scored and nine conceded. Puerto Rico lost all three matches, scoring two goals and conceding 14.

Before facing Nigeria, Korea DPR had won both matches and scored 12 times while conceding once. Across the group stage, they scored 13 goals, conceded four and recorded a +9 goal difference.

Friday’s match was the third meeting between Nigeria and Korea DPR at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria won the first encounter 3–2 in 2010, while Korea DPR prevailed 3–0 in 2016.

Korea DPR entered the tournament as two-time U-17 Women’s World Cup champions, but their defeat by Nigeria ended their unbeaten run and left the Flamingos through to the knockout stage.