Nigeria’s Flamingos revived their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter in Rabat on Tuesday night.
The victory came as defending champions DPR Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the group’s other fixture, leaving Nigeria with renewed hope of reaching the knockout stage ahead of Friday’s decisive meeting with the Koreans.
The 2022 bronze medallists approached the encounter with attacking intent, pressing high and creating early problems for Puerto Rico’s defence. Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished off Queen Joseph’s assist to give Nigeria the lead.
The goal provided the Flamingos with greater confidence as they sought to extend their advantage before the interval.
Nigeria continued to push after the restart, with Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha threatening to increase the lead. Puerto Rico attempted to respond through tactical changes, but the Nigerian defence held firm.
Head coach Hakeem Busari introduced Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute as Nigeria sought additional energy and attacking impetus.
The Flamingos eventually secured the victory in stoppage time. Substitute Precious Oscar headed home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi in the 90th minute to make it 2-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
Nigeria subsequently negotiated six minutes of added time to claim their first victory of the tournament.
DPR Korea’s Win Changes Group B Picture
In the other Group B fixture, DPR Korea strengthened their position with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Poland.
The result leaves the defending champions on six points from two matches, while Nigeria and Poland have three points each. Puerto Rico remain without a point after two defeats.
Nigeria’s victory restores momentum after their opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, but the Flamingos face a formidable challenge in their final group match.
Flamingos Prepare for Crucial Final Group Match
Nigeria will take on DPR Korea on Friday, October 23, in a match that could determine their progression to the knockout stage.
The Flamingos will need to produce another disciplined performance against the defending champions while keeping an eye on the outcome of Poland’s meeting with Puerto Rico.
With their hopes still alive, the Nigerian youngsters have given themselves another opportunity to advance in Morocco, but their fate will depend on the final round of Group B fixtures and the tournament’s qualification criteria.
