Nigeria’s Flamingos will face a difficult test against defending champions Korea DPR on Friday as they seek to qualify for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Korea DPR, two-time winners of the competition since its introduction in New Zealand in 2008, have made a strong start, winning their first two matches to lead Group B.
The North Korean side has scored 12 goals and conceded just one, demonstrating its attacking strength as it seeks another title.
Nigeria, bronze medallists in 2022, are fighting to keep their campaign on track after a 2-1 defeat to Poland, followed by a 2-0 win over tournament newcomers Puerto Rico.
The Flamingos will need a disciplined display against the defending champions, with a place in the knockout stage still within reach.
A victory or draw would secure Nigeria’s qualification, while a defeat would leave their chances dependent on the result of the Poland-Puerto Rico match and the relevant tiebreakers.
The two teams have faced each other twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria claimed a 3-2 victory in 2010, before Korea DPR won 3-0 in 2016.
Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to maintain defensive discipline and convert their chances against a North Korean team that has dominated its group matches.
The encounter will begin at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé/Rabat.