Nigeria’s Flamingos forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi has promised more goals and improved performances after helping the team defeat defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute of Friday’s Group B encounter, setting the tone for Nigeria’s impressive victory over a side that had scored 12 goals in its first two matches.
Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute before Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3-0 with a free-kick in the 56th minute. Korea DPR scored a late consolation through Yu Jong-hyang’s penalty, but the Flamingos held on to secure a memorable result.
Reflecting on her goal, Adegbuyi credited her pace and determination, revealing that the team entered the match fully prepared to claim all three points.
“What was going through my mind was that I am faster and quicker and can score. The coaches told us that we can do it. They are also girls and young players,” she said.
The forward also called on Nigerians to continue believing in the team as the tournament enters the knockout stage.
“They should expect more goals from me and good performance,” Adegbuyi added.
The victory completed a strong recovery for the Flamingos, who lost 2-1 to Poland in their opening fixture before beating Puerto Rico 2-0. Nigeria finished second in Group B with six points, booking a place in the last 16.
Adegbuyi had also scored against Puerto Rico, where her performance helped Nigeria revive their campaign after the opening setback.
The Flamingos now face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a quarter-final place at stake. Mexico also finished second in its group after recovering from an opening defeat to win its next two matches.
With Nigeria’s attacking confidence boosted by the victory over the reigning champions, Adegbuyi will be eager to turn her promise into goals when the knockout battle begins.
For the young forward, the message is clear: the Flamingos are not in Morocco merely to participate, but to keep fighting and make the country proud.
