Nigeria defeated defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final group-stage match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with DPR Korea head coach Ji Yun-nam admitting his side could not match the Flamingos’ physical strength.

Akeem Busari’s team produced an impressive display on Friday to secure a convincing victory over the holders.

Nigeria made the breakthrough in the 25th minute after Oluwakemi Adegbuyi collected a pass on the left. The forward held off a North Korean defender before finishing calmly with her right foot.

The Flamingos increased their advantage before the interval. Oluebube Umejiaku powered her way through the DPR Korea defence and then placed her shot beyond goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong.

North Korea responded with greater urgency after the restart, applying pressure as they attempted to get back into the contest.

Nigeria, however, remained firm and added a third goal through Kanyinsola Yusuf, who found the net with a superbly executed free-kick.

The Asian side were awarded a late penalty, which Yu Jong-hyang converted to reduce the deficit. It was not enough to change the outcome, as Nigeria held on for a 3-1 win.

Yun-nam acknowledges Nigeria’s advantage

Yun-nam said the match had highlighted weaknesses his team must address, particularly their physical preparation, as North Korea looks ahead to the Round of 16.

“Playing against a strong team like Nigeria made me realise how challenging it is to compete at the world level,” Yun-nam told FIFA.

“Facing an African team also showed me that we need to prepare better in terms of strength. We will prepare well for the Round of 16 and aim to achieve a better result.”