According to a report by Flashscore on Friday, October 23, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos qualified for the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with Tosin Rafiu named Player of the Match for her contribution to the victory, including an assist.

The Nigerian youngsters started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who finished off an assist from Mary Dunstan to put her team ahead.

The opening goal gave the Flamingos an early advantage against a North Korean side that had won its first two Group B matches against Puerto Rico and Poland.

Nigeria continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Tosin Rafiu provided the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku, who converted the opportunity to make it 2-0 and give the Flamingos a comfortable advantage at half-time.

The defending champions struggled to contain Nigeria’s attacking threat during the opening period and needed a strong response after the break to get back into the contest.

However, the Flamingos maintained their momentum after the restart and extended their lead in the 58th minute. Kanyinsola Yusuf found the back of the net to make it 3-0, putting Nigeria firmly in control of the encounter.

Yusuf’s goal strengthened the Nigerian side’s position as they moved closer to securing the three points needed to advance to the knockout stage.

North Korea eventually reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong-Hyang, who scored to make it 3-1 and give the defending champions a consolation goal.

Despite conceding late in the match, Nigeria held on to their advantage until the final whistle, recording an important victory over the reigning champions.

The result followed a 2-1 defeat to Poland in Nigeria’s opening match and a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico in their second fixture. The Flamingos finished second in Group B behind North Korea, scoring seven goals across their three group matches to progress to the round of 16.

Tosin Rafiu was named Player of the Match for her influential contribution to Nigeria’s victory, particularly her assist for Umejiaku’s goal that helped the Flamingos establish a two-goal lead before half-time.