Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA women’s U-17 World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final Group B game.
The win on Friday secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage and lifted them into second position in the group, behind North Korea.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyisola Yusuf scored for Nigeria as the Flamingos produced their most important performance of the tournament so far.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) congratulated the team following their qualification, posting on its X handle: “Round of 16, here we come! ???.”
Nigeria’s progress came despite losing their opening match of the competition 2-1 to Poland. Coach Akeem Busari’s side responded in their second fixture by beating Puerto Rico 2-0, before completing their group campaign with the victory over North Korea.
The result against the reigning champions ensured the Flamingos finished above Poland and Puerto Rico in Group B, while North Korea retained top spot.
In the group’s other final match, Poland defeated tournament debutants Puerto Rico 6-2. That result left Poland in third place.
The Flamingos’ campaign therefore began with a setback against Poland but ended with successive victories over Puerto Rico and North Korea to send them into the knockout rounds.
North Korea’s status as defending champions made the result particularly significant for Nigeria, who needed to avoid finishing outside the qualifying positions after their defeat by Poland in the opening round of matches.
CAF’s message followed a victory that confirmed the Flamingos among the teams continuing into the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA women’s U-17 World Cup.