Nigeria’s Flamingos revived their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with head coach Akeem Busari praising his players for responding to the pressure following their opening-match defeat to Poland.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Precious Oscar sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Adegbuyi was named Player of the Match, while Oscar celebrated her first World Cup goal as Nigeria secured three valuable points ahead of their final Group B fixture against North Korea.

Busari Praises Flamingos’ Response

Speaking after the match, Busari described the victory as hard-earned, acknowledging the threat posed by Puerto Rico, who were also desperate for a positive result.

"As I said, this fight was a very thorough win and a strong win, because Puerto Rico, they knew it was going to be a game that was going to decide their fate."

"So it was a very tough game, really, between both sides."

"We were unable to convert our chances off on the first half, a couple of misses, but quite unfortunately we got the second one towards the tail end of the game, but it was a very tough game."

The coach admitted that his players missed several opportunities but praised their improved composure compared with their opening defeat to Poland.

"They had no pushover. So it was getting more competitive and more contested."

"As an angler, when you are down, you look at yourself, how did you come back?"

"And this is a little of our psyche, and telling the lads, they were young, we don't need to bully them, we don't need to criticize anyone about cancelling and telling them what they need to."

"It's very exceptional. We are more calm than the Poland game."

Despite the victory, the coach maintained that the team remained a work in progress and expected further improvements as the tournament continued.

Adegbuyi Delighted With First World Cup Goal

Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead in the 25th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.

The Flamingos had threatened early through Queen Joseph, whose effort was saved by Puerto Rico goalkeeper Victoria Moore-Torres, before captain Chidi Harmony struck the crossbar.

Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock after Joseph collected a poor clearance and set up Adegbuyi.

Although the forward's first attempt was blocked by two defenders, she reacted quickly to fire home the rebound.

Speaking after the match, Adegbuyi admitted that the contest was difficult but expressed delight at scoring her first goal at the tournament.

"The game was not easy for us, but we tried our best and we were able to get the three points today."

"I'm happy and very excited because this is my first goal in these tournaments, on the biggest stage."

"I'm very happy to score here, on the biggest stage of my life, because this is just the beginning."

" I promise to make my family and the whole nation proud."

Adegbuyi remained a threat after the break, sending another effort narrowly over the crossbar from a corner as Nigeria searched for a second goal.

Her contribution earned her the Player of the Match award.

Flamingos' Oscar Credits God After Sealing Victory

Oscar came off the bench to score Nigeria's second goal in the 90th+3 minute, ending Puerto Rico's hopes of salvaging a point.

The forward was grateful for the victory, revealing that she had prayed before entering the pitch and wanted to help ease the pressure on her teammates.

"First of all, I'm grateful to God Almighty because it is by his grace."

"And before I entered the pitch, I said to God that, please, you can help me, anything can happen. You can help me to subdue the pressure for my team."

Celebrating her first World Cup goal, Oscar added:

"And to God be the glory, and I'm happy that I did it. And this is my first ever World Cup goal. And I'm so happy about it."

She also revealed that she encouraged her teammates to keep fighting despite the pressure following their opening-match defeat.

"It's really helped, like, the experience there and bringing it to this year's U17."

"When I entered the pitch, I had to, like, encourage my teammates that it's not over and that anything can happen, so we keep pushing despite the pressure."

"Our mindset is winning, and thank God for these three points because it's going to boost I and my teammates to be able to come out stronger in the game against North Korea."

Puerto Rico Coach Admits Pressure Took Its Toll

Puerto Rico coach Andres Mirabelli expressed disappointment with his team's first-half performance, admitting that the pressure of competing at the World Cup had affected his players.

"I'm not happy with how we played in the first half."

"Once again, we wasted time just like in the last match. It's a shame because the pressure of the World Cup and the difference in level are hurting us."

"We played a good second half again, but it wasn't enough to get at least one point".

Puerto Rico threatened to equalise in the second half when Isabella Sanabria-Cora's effort from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over by Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.

However, Oscar's late strike secured the victory for Nigeria.

Flamingos Turn Attention to North Korea

The win gives Nigeria renewed confidence ahead of their final Group B match against North Korea after their opening defeat to Poland.

While Busari acknowledged that his team still had room for improvement, the goals from Adegbuyi and Oscar provided an encouraging response.

The Flamingos will now look to build on the victory, improve their finishing and maintain their hopes of progressing at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026.

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