Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3–1 in their final Group B fixture on Friday.
The Nigerian girls, coached by Akeem Busari, delivered an impressive performance to overcome the two-time defending champions and secure a place in the knockout stage.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute following an assist from Tosin Rafiu.
Kanyinsola Yusuf extended Nigeria’s advantage in the 56th minute with a superb free-kick, putting the Flamingos firmly in control.
Korea DPR reduced the deficit through Yu Jong Hyang in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria held on to secure a memorable victory. Adegbuyi appeared to have scored a fourth goal in the 88th minute, but the effort was disallowed following a video review over a foul in the build-up.
The victory took Nigeria to six points from three group matches, following a 2–1 defeat to Poland in their opening fixture and a 2–0 win over Puerto Rico in their second game.
Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6–2 in the other Group B encounter, leaving Poland, Nigeria and Korea DPR level on six points at the end of the group stage.
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to the Round of 16 as they continue their quest for the title in Morocco.
