Flamingos soar past champions into World Cup last-16

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Flamingos soar past champions into World Cup last-16 Sports October 24, 2026 1:12 am Flamingos in action

Nigeria’s Flamingos stunned defending champions North Korea 3-1 on Friday to reach the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The result in their final Group B match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, took Nigeria to second place with six points from three games.

North Korea, the back-to-back champions, won the group, while Poland, who beat Puerto Rico 6-2, finished third and also advanced.

Nigeria were resolute in defence and clinical in attack. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi put them ahead in the 15th minute with a brilliant solo effort, according to reports, though another account credits Mary Dunstan with the assist.

Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute, getting on the end of a through ball from Tosin Rafiu to beat the onrushing goalkeeper. Kanyisola Yusuf made it 3-0 after the break.

North Korea, who had won their first two games, 6-0 against Puerto Rico and 6-1 against Poland, pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong-Hyang. The goal came from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender handled the ball in the box.

The win was a strong response to the Flamingos’ opening 2-1 defeat to Poland. They then beat Puerto Rico 2-0, with Adegbuyi scoring in the 25th minute and substitute Precious Oscar adding a late header from Adegbuyi’s cross.

The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 edition, now go into the knockout stage.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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