Nigeria’s Flamingos face a tough test against defending champions Korea DPR on Friday as they seek a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The North Koreans, who have won the trophy twice since the competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, have been impressive in this year’s tournament, winning both opening matches to secure top spot in Group B. They have scored 12 goals and conceded only one, underlining their strength as they chase a third title.
Nigeria, the 2022 bronze medallists, are fighting to keep their campaign alive after losing 2-1 to Poland and then bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico.
The Flamingos will need a strong performance against the defending champions, with qualification still within reach.
A win or draw would secure their place in the knockout stage, while a defeat would leave their fate dependent on the result between Poland and Puerto Rico and the applicable tiebreakers.
The teams have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria won the first encounter 3-2 in 2010, before Korea DPR claimed a 3-0 victory in 2016.
Both sides will be looking to make their mark when they meet again in Morocco. Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to be disciplined defensively and take their chances in front of goal against a side that has looked strong in the group stage.
The match will kick off at 3pm local time (4pm Nigerian time) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, near Rabat.
