Flamingos Soar Past Champions Into World Cup Last-16

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B match on Friday.

The Nigerian side delivered an impressive performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco, overcoming the two-time defending champions to advance to the knockout stage.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 15th minute with an individual effort, giving coach Akeem Busari’s team an early advantage.

The Flamingos doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku converted a through ball from Tosin Rafiu to make it 2-0 before the break.

Nigeria continued to dominate after the restart, with Kanyinsola Yusuf extending the lead to 3-0 in the 56th minute through a well-taken free-kick.

North Korea reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute after Yu Jong-hyang converted a penalty, but the Nigerian team held on to secure all three points.

Adegbuyi appeared to have scored a fourth goal late in the match, but the effort was ruled out following a video review.

The victory completed Nigeria’s group-stage campaign with six points from three matches. The Flamingos began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before recovering with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico and Friday’s victory over North Korea.

Despite losing to Nigeria, North Korea finished top of Group B on goal difference, while Nigeria advanced in second place. Poland also progressed after defeating Puerto Rico 6-2 and finishing among the best third-placed teams.

The result represents a significant recovery for the Flamingos, who are seeking to improve on their previous performances at the competition. Nigeria finished third at the 2022 edition.

The Flamingos will face the runners-up of Group F in the Round of 16 on October 29, as they continue their campaign for a place in the quarter-finals.