Nigeria’s Flamingos produced a stunning performance to defeat two-time defending champions DPR Korea 3-1 and secure a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.

The Nigerian girls delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, scoring three goals against the reigning champions before conceding a late penalty as they announced their credentials on the global stage.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, collecting a pass down the left flank, holding off a defender and firing home with her right foot to give Nigeria an early advantage.

The Flamingos maintained their attacking intent and doubled their lead in the 38th minute through Oluebube Umejiaku, who surged through the DPR Korea half before finishing past goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong.

Nigeria carried their two-goal advantage into the interval and resumed the second half determined to preserve their lead against a DPR Korea side eager to fight back.

However, the African representatives delivered another decisive blow in the 56th minute when Kanyinsola Yusuf produced an exquisitely taken free-kick to extend the lead to 3-0.

DPR Korea eventually reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, with Yu Jong-hyang converting a penalty, but the late goal proved insufficient to deny Nigeria a memorable victory.

Yusuf’s outstanding contribution earned her the Player of the Match award, capping a performance that underlined Nigeria’s attacking quality and resilience against the reigning champions.

Nigeria captain Azeezat Oduntan expressed pride in her teammates but insisted that the team must remain focused despite securing qualification for the knockout stage.

“I’m super proud of my teammates because they all came out and chose to play. We have to keep going and keep fighting,” Oduntan said.

“I feel excited, but we are not there yet because we just qualified for the next round.”

The defeat left DPR Korea coach Ji Yun-nam reflecting on the physical demands of competing against Nigeria and the need for his team to improve ahead of the Round of 16.

“Playing against a strong team like Nigeria made me realise how challenging it is to compete at the world level. Facing an African team also showed me that we need to prepare better in terms of strength,” he said.

Ji, however, expressed confidence that his players could respond in the knockout stage, adding that DPR Korea would prepare thoroughly in pursuit of a better result.

Elsewhere, Poland secured their place in the Round of 16 with a commanding victory over Puerto Rico, joining Nigeria and the Asian heavyweights among the teams advancing to the knockout phase.

Nigeria’s emphatic triumph over DPR Korea represents a significant statement of intent by the Flamingos, who will now look to carry their momentum into the Round of 16 as the competition continues in Morocco.

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