Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Puerto Rico 2-0 on Tuesday. The win came in their second Group B match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. It revived a campaign that had stalled. Nigeria lost their opener 2-1 to Poland. Another defeat would have ended their tournament. The team responded with intent.
Nigeria’s U-17 girls have a strong record at this level. They reached the semi-finals in 2022. They reached the quarter-finals in 2024. The team has produced players who moved on to the Falconets and the Super Falcons. The current squad arrived in Morocco with expectations. The opening loss to Poland raised doubts. The response against Puerto Rico answered some of them.
Hakeem Busari’s side pressed high from the start. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished from Queen Joseph’s pass. Nigeria pushed for a second. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nwakocha came close. They could not convert. The second goal arrived in the 90th minute. Precious Oscar headed in Kemi Adegbuyi’s cross. The game was settled.
The result keeps Nigeria second in Group B. Poland sit third on goal difference. Poland lost 6-1 to defending champions DPR Korea in the other fixture. That scoreline helps Nigeria. The group is tight. Nigeria face Korea on Friday. A draw would likely seal a place in the knockouts. A win would confirm it. A loss would leave the team dependent on other results.
The Flamingos have shown character. They lost the opener. They did not collapse. They controlled the second match. The finishing remains a concern. A single goal separated the sides until stoppage time. Against Korea, chances will be fewer.
Winners: The Flamingos, who gain three points. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who scored. Precious Oscar, who sealed the win. Queen Joseph, who provided the assist. Busari, whose tactics worked. Losers: Puerto Rico, who face elimination. Poland, whose goal difference took a beating. Nigeria’s group rivals, who face a revived team. Flamingos fans, who still worry about the attack.
Bottom Line: Nigeria won when they had to. The Flamingos are alive. Korea is next. A point may be enough. The team must finish its chances.