Flamingos Stun Defending Champions North Korea to Reach U-17 World Cup Round of 16

Nigeria's Flamingos completed a remarkable group-stage turnaround at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on Friday, defeating two-time defending champions North Korea 3-1 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to seal their place in the Round of 16.

The Nigerian youngsters struck first through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in the 15th minute, finishing off an assist from Mary Dunstan, before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute from Tosin Rafiu's pass. Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3-0 with a superb free-kick in the 56th minute, and although Yu Jong-Hyang pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, the Flamingos held firm.

The result capped a dramatic recovery for coach Akeem Busari's side, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before beating Puerto Rico 2-0. North Korea had arrived with a perfect record, scoring 12 goals across wins over Puerto Rico and Poland, but finished second in Group B behind Nigeria on goal difference after Poland's 6-2 win over Puerto Rico left all three teams on six points.

Adegbuyi thought she had added a fourth in the 88th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out after a video review for a foul in the build-up.