Nigeria’s Flamingos responded to their opening-match defeat by Poland with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to claim their first points in Group B at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi put Nigeria ahead in the 25th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, before substitute Precious Oscar settled the contest with a stoppage-time goal.

Adegbuyi was named Player of the Match, while Oscar celebrated her first World Cup goal as Nigeria moved closer to their final group fixture against North Korea.

Adegbuyi makes breakthrough

Nigeria created the first clear opportunities, with Queen Joseph testing Puerto Rico goalkeeper Victoria Moore-Torres before captain Chidi Harmony struck the crossbar.

The breakthrough came after Joseph capitalised on a poor clearance and provided the opportunity for Adegbuyi. Her initial effort was blocked by two defenders, but she reacted quickest to the rebound and found the net.

Adegbuyi remained a threat after half-time, sending another attempt narrowly over the crossbar from a corner as the Flamingos looked for a second goal.

After the match, she acknowledged that the game had been difficult but said she was pleased to score her first goal at the tournament. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

Busari praises improved composure

Head coach Akeem Busari praised his players for handling the pressure after the defeat by Poland and described the win as hard-earned.

He recognised the threat posed by a Puerto Rico side also seeking a positive result, while admitting that Nigeria had failed to take several chances.

Busari said his team showed greater composure than in their opening match, but stressed that the Flamingos were still a work in progress and needed to improve as the tournament continued.

Oscar, who came off the bench, added Nigeria’s second goal in the 90th+3 minute to end Puerto Rico’s hopes of salvaging a point.

The forward credited God after the match, saying she had prayed before going on to the pitch and wanted to reduce the pressure on her team-mates. She also said she had encouraged the players to continue fighting despite the disappointment of losing their opening game.

Puerto Rico unable to find equaliser

Puerto Rico coach Andres Mirabelli said he was disappointed by his side’s first-half display and admitted the pressure of competing at the World Cup had affected his players.

His team came close to levelling in the second half when Isabella Sanabria-Cora’s effort from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over the crossbar by Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.

Oscar’s late strike then secured the result for Nigeria.

The Flamingos will now turn their attention to North Korea, with the victory providing renewed confidence and keeping their hopes of progressing alive. Busari’s side must improve their finishing and build on the response to their defeat by Poland in their final Group B match.