World Cup Thriller: Nigeria’s Flamingos Stun Defending Champions North Korea 3-1 to Reach Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, produced a masterclass performance on Friday, stunning defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B fixture to book a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
​Playing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Morocco, the West Africans delivered when it mattered most, overcoming the tournament favorites in a high-stakes encounter.
​Following a 2-0 opening win against Puerto Rico and a second-match loss to Poland, Head Coach Akeem Busari’s side needed an outright victory to guarantee qualification from the group.
​Clinical Finishing Dismantles World Champions
​The Flamingos established control early, breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi converted a well-worked opening chance.
​Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 38th minute as Oluebube Umejiaku expertly timed her run to beat North Korea’s high defensive trap, keeping her composure to slot past the goalkeeper.
​The team picked up where they left off in the second half, with Kanyisola Yusuf striking in the 56th minute to make it 3-0 and put Nigeria firmly in the driver’s seat.
​North Korea pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, but the Nigerian defense stood resolute through late pressure to seal the 3-1 victory.
​Group B Drama
​The win leaves North Korea, Nigeria, and Poland tied on points in a fiercely contested group.
​North Korea finished atop Group B on total goals scored, while Nigeria secured the second qualification berth to advance to the quarter-finals. Poland missed out on knockout qualification despite finishing level on points.
​The Flamingos now turn their focus to the quarter-finals as they target a deep run in the tournament.