AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have secured a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3–1 in their final Group B fixture in Morocco.
Goals from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf secured an impressive victory for Nigeria, who finished second in the group to advance to the knockout stage.
Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a move created by Mary Dunstan to give the Flamingos an early advantage.
Nigeria doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Umejiaku found the net following an assist from Tosin Rafiu, sending the team into the half-time break with a comfortable 2–0 lead.
The Flamingos continued their impressive performance after the restart, with Yusuf extending their advantage in the 56th minute through a superb free-kick to make it 3–0.
Korea DPR pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong Hyang, who converted a penalty awarded after a video review.
Adegbuyi appeared to have restored Nigeria’s three-goal advantage late in the encounter, but her effort was ruled out following another video review after a foul was identified in the build-up.
The Flamingos nevertheless held on to secure a 3–1 victory over the defending champions.
Flamingos Finish Second in Group B
Nigeria, Korea DPR and Poland all finished the group stage with six points, while Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6–2 in the other Group B fixture.
Following the application of FIFA’s tie-breaking criteria, Nigeria finished second in the group, securing their qualification for the Round of 16.
Yusuf was named Player of the Match after her impressive performance, capped by the outstanding free-kick that extended Nigeria’s lead.
The Flamingos will now face the runners-up in Group F in the Round of 16 as they continue their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
