Flamingos soar past champions into World Cup last-16

Nigeria's Flamingos stunned defending champions North Korea 3-1 on Friday, reaching the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The victory in their final Group B match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria finish second with six points from three games. North Korea, the back-to-back champions, secured the group title, while Poland, who defeated Puerto Rico 6-2, claimed third place and also advanced.

Nigeria displayed resilience in defense and clinical attacking prowess. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a remarkable solo effort, though another report credits Mary Dunstan with the assist. Oluebube Umejiaku added a second goal in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Tosin Rafiu to outpace the charging goalkeeper.

Kanyisola Yusuf sealed the win after the break. Despite North Korea leading 1-0 after the break, Flamingos' Kanyisola Yusuf secured the victory for Nigeria. The win was a resounding response to Nigeria's opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, who now fall to third place in the tournament. The Flamingos, bronze medallists in the 2022 edition, advance to the knockout stage.