Nigeria’s Flamingos delivered a major statement at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3–1 on Friday to qualify for the Round of 16 in Morocco.
Goals from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf powered the Nigerian side to an impressive victory in their final Group B fixture, handing the two-time reigning champions their first defeat of the tournament.
The Flamingos took control in the 15th minute when Adegbuyi opened the scoring with a composed finish after a move created by Mary Dunstan.
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 38th minute as Umejiaku capitalised on a through ball from Tosin Rafiu and finished past the advancing goalkeeper to give Akeem Busari’s team a commanding 2–0 lead at half-time.
The Nigerian youngsters maintained their momentum after the restart, with Yusuf producing a superb free-kick in the 56th minute to extend the lead to three goals.
Korea DPR reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute when Yu Jong-hyang converted a penalty, but the Flamingos remained composed to see out the match and secure all three points.
Adegbuyi appeared to have added a fourth goal late in the game, but the effort was disallowed following a video review after a foul was identified in the build-up.
The result marks a significant achievement for Nigeria, who responded to their opening 2–1 defeat to Poland with a 2–0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing their best performance of the group stage against the holders.
The Flamingos now advance to the knockout stage with renewed confidence as they continue their pursuit of the title in Morocco.
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