Nigeria’s Flamingos face a stern test against defending champions Korea DPR on Friday as they seek to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Korea DPR, two-time champions since the competition began in New Zealand in 2008, have been impressive, winning their opening two matches to top Group B.

The North Koreans have scored 12 goals and conceded only one, underlining their attacking strength as they pursue another title.

Nigeria, bronze medallists in 2022, are seeking to keep their campaign alive after losing 2-1 to Poland before recovering with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico.

The Flamingos will need a disciplined performance against the defending champions, with qualification for the knockout stage still within reach.

A win or draw would guarantee Nigeria’s progress, while a defeat would leave their chances dependent on the outcome of the Poland-Puerto Rico match and the applicable tiebreakers.

The two teams have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, with Nigeria winning 3-2 in 2010 before Korea DPR recorded a 3-0 victory in 2016.

Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to remain defensively organised and take their chances against a North Korean side that has dominated its group matches.

The match will kick off at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé/Rabat.(NAN)