Flamingos Beat North Korea 3-1 to Qualify for U-17 Women’s World Cup Knockout Stage

Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B match on Friday in Morocco.

The Nigerian team needed at least a draw to progress to the next round after losing their opening match to Poland and beating Puerto Rico in their second game.

Coach Akeem Busari’s side started brightly against the two-time champions at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

The 16-year-old scored after making an impressive run towards the North Korean goal.

Nigeria doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku fired past goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong to make it 2-0 before half-time.

North Korea, who had scored 12 goals in their first two matches, tried to fight back in the second half, but the Flamingos defended well.

Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3-0 with a well-taken free kick to put Nigeria in control of the match.

North Korea scored a consolation goal eight minutes before the end through Yu Jong-hyang, who converted a penalty.

Yusuf was named Player of the Match following her impressive performance.

The victory secured the Flamingos’ place in the knockout stage as they continued their campaign at the tournament in Morocco.