U-17 Women's World Cup: Nigeria upsets the world champions, host nation Morocco left waiting

On October 23, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, the Nigeria Flamingos defeated North Korea 3-1 and secured their ticket to the round of 16 of the U-17 Women's World Cup. That same evening, host nation Morocco collapsed 5-1 against Argentina and finished third in their group: their fate is no longer in their own hands.

Three Nigerian goals in one hour

Facing the defending champions, the Nigerians did not wait around. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute off a pass from Tosin Rafiu, and Kanyinsola Yusuf scored the third goal from a free kick in the 56th minute. Yu Jong Hyang scored a consolation goal for North Korea in the 82nd minute. A fourth goal by Adegbuyi was disallowed after a video assistant referee review due to a foul at the start of the play, reports Bénin Web TV.

The detail carries weight: North Korea, three-time world champions in this category, had scored 12 goals in their first two matches. Group B ended with three teams tied on six points, with the North Koreans finishing first due to their goal difference (+9), Nigeria second (+3), and Poland third (0). After being beaten 2-1 by the Poles in their opener, the Nigerians earned their qualification in the final match.

The Moroccan dream cracked in one half

For the Atlas Lionesses, the evening was cruel. Mercedes Díaz scored a hat-trick (14th, 29th, and in first-half stoppage time), while Josefina Galarza and then Julieta Aguilar (73rd) added to the score, with Nesma Mouradi reducing the deficit in the 58th minute, according to Le Brief. Group A finished with the following standings: Germany 9 points, Argentina 6, Morocco 3 with a goal difference of -2, and New Zealand 0. Finishing third, the Moroccans must now hope to be among the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.

Five African nations, two still alive on October 24

This tenth edition brings together 24 nations, including five from Africa: Morocco, the host and first country on the continent to organize the competition, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, and Kenya, recalls Afrik.com.

On October 24, two of them will play for their tournament lives. Ghana, returning after missing the last three editions, faces Canada at 3 p.m. (local time) with one point and a goal difference of -3. Zambia, competing in its third consecutive final phase, challenges France at 6 p.m. without a single point and with a goal deficit of -6: they will need a wide-margin victory. Kenya, with zero points in Group E, will play afterward.

The round of 16 matches are scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2026, in Rabat.