U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Stun Champions Korea DPR to Reach Last 16

Posted : 25 October 2026

Nigeria’s Flamingos delivered an impressive performance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 on Friday to secure a place in the Round of 16.

The Nigerian youngsters overcame the pedigree of the two-time defending champions with a confident display, combining attacking efficiency with defensive resilience to conclude their Group B campaign on a winning note.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi set the tone in the 15th minute, opening the scoring to give the Flamingos an early advantage and put pressure on their highly rated opponents.

Nigeria maintained their momentum and doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku converted a well-delivered assist from Tosin Rafiu, leaving the defending champions with a difficult task before half-time.

The Flamingos resumed with the same attacking intent, and Kanyinsola Yusuf extended their advantage in the 56th minute with a superb free-kick that further strengthened Nigeria’s grip on the contest.

Korea DPR attempted to mount a comeback and reduced the deficit through Yu Jong Hyang in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria remained composed to protect their two-goal lead.

Adegbuyi appeared to have scored her second goal of the match in the 88th minute, only for the referee to disallow the effort following a video review of a foul in the build-up.

Despite the late disappointment, the result represented a significant statement from Akeem Busari’s side, who demonstrated their ability to compete against elite opposition at the global youth tournament.

The victory also completed Nigeria’s recovery from an opening-day setback, when the Flamingos lost 2-1 to Poland before responding with a 2-0 triumph over Puerto Rico.

Nigeria finished the group stage with six points, level with Poland and Korea DPR, after Poland defeated Puerto Rico 6-2 in the other Group B encounter.

The three-way tie highlighted the competitiveness of the group, with the Flamingos’ emphatic victory over the defending champions providing an impressive conclusion to their preliminary campaign.

For Nigeria, the immediate priority will be to maintain the discipline, confidence and attacking sharpness that carried them past Korea DPR as attention shifts to the knockout stage.

Having negotiated a challenging group featuring established youth football powers, the Flamingos will enter the Round of 16 encouraged by their ability to respond to adversity and deliver under pressure.

Their victory over the defending champions has boosted expectations, although the challenge will become tougher as Nigeria pursue a deeper run in the competition.

U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Stun Champions Korea DPR to Reach Last 16

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