Nigeria captain Azeezat Oduntan says the Flamingos must maintain their momentum after their 3-1 victory over North Korea secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria produced an impressive performance on Friday to defeat the defending champions and confirm their qualification for the next round. Oduntan, however, insisted the team had not yet reached its ultimate target.
“I’m super proud of my teammates because they all came out and chose to play,” Oduntan told FIFA.com. “We have to keep going and keep fighting. I feel excited, but we are not there yet because we just qualified for the next round.”
The Flamingos went into the match needing a positive result to keep their campaign on course after opening the tournament with a narrow 2-1 defeat by Poland. They responded with a win against Puerto Rico before facing North Korea in their final group match.
Oluwakemisola Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead after 15 minutes, finishing the move to put the Flamingos in front. Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage in the 38th minute, leaving Nigeria in control before half-time.
Rodiat Yusuf added a third goal 11 minutes into the second half to put the result beyond doubt. North Korea reduced the deficit late on when Yu Jong-Hyang converted from the penalty spot, but Nigeria comfortably held on to complete a significant victory.
The result officially secured Nigeria’s position in the knockout stages, with the Flamingos progressing to the round of 16. Yusuf was also named Player of the Match after her contribution to the win.
Oduntan praised the determination shown by her team-mates but stressed that qualification was only the next step in their tournament campaign.
Her message comes as Nigeria prepare to continue their challenge at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the captain calling on the squad to retain its focus and continue competing for its ultimate goal.