Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 3–1 win over defending champions Korea DPR on Friday.

Akeem Busari’s side delivered an impressive performance against the two-time defending champions to complete their Group B campaign with six points.

Nigeria took control in the 15th minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring. The early goal gave the Flamingos confidence and they continued to threaten the Korea DPR defence.

Their advantage was doubled three minutes before half-time. Oluebube Umejiaku finished a well-created move after receiving an assist from Tosin Rafiu, putting Nigeria 2–0 ahead in the 38th minute.

The Flamingos extended their lead 11 minutes into the second half. Kanyinsola Yusuf produced a superb free-kick in the 56th minute to make it 3–0 and leave the defending champions facing a difficult challenge.

Korea DPR managed to reduce the deficit in the 82nd minute, with Yu Jong Hyang scoring to give the champions hope of a late recovery. Nigeria, however, held firm to claim a notable victory and progress to the knockout stage.

Adegbuyi thought she had added a fourth in the 88th minute, but the goal was ruled out after a video review. The referee judged that there had been a foul in the build-up.

Nigeria began the tournament with a 2–1 defeat by Poland before recovering to beat Puerto Rico 2–0 in their second fixture. The victory over Korea DPR completed a six-point group-stage total.

In the other Group B match, Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6–2. The result meant Poland, Nigeria and Korea DPR all finished the group stage on six points.