By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Abuja, Oct. 23, 2026(
The Flamingos of Nigeria have qualified for the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating DPR Korea 3-1 in Morocco on Friday.
The Hakeem Busari-led team finished second in Group B with six points from three matches, behind Korea, which topped the group on the same points but with a superior goal difference.
Kemi Adegbuyi put Nigeria ahead in the 15th minute with a brilliant solo effort, scoring her second goal of the tournament.
Nigeria doubled the lead in the 38th minute when Olubebube Umejiaku latched onto a through ball and fired past the Korean goalkeeper.
Kanyisola Yusuf made it 3-0 11 minutes after the break with an unstoppable free-kick.
Defending Champions DPR Korea pulled one back from the spot in the 82nd minute but the goal couldn’t inspire a comeback as Nigeria held strong to claim all three points.
Poland, on six points too after thrashing Puerto Rico 6-2, finished third and qualified for the knockout rounds as on one of the best third-placed teams.
Nigeria will now wait for the outcome of Group F where they will face its runners-up, wildly open between Mexico, Chile and Australia.
