Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico: Flamingos Bounce Back at U17 Women’s World Cup 2026
Nigeria’s Flamingos revived their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their second Group B match on Tuesday, October 20.
Following their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening fixture, head coach Akeem Busari’s side responded with a determined performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, securing three crucial points in their quest to reach the knockout stage.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi Gives Nigeria the Lead
Nigeria started with greater urgency, knowing that another setback would put their World Cup ambitions under considerable pressure.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi. After her initial attempt was blocked, the forward reacted quickly to the rebound and fired the ball into the net, rewarding Nigeria’s attacking efforts.
Adegbuyi’s goal gave the Flamingos a valuable advantage, but Puerto Rico refused to back down. The Caribbean side continued to search for an equaliser, forcing Nigeria to remain alert defensively.
Puerto Rico Test Nigeria’s Defence
Puerto Rico showed more attacking intent as the contest progressed, creating opportunities that tested Nigeria’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.
Ijirigho proved particularly important, producing key saves to preserve her team’s lead. Her performance helped Nigeria withstand the pressure as Puerto Rico pushed for a way back into the game.
Despite the opposition’s attacking threat, the Flamingos maintained their composure and continued looking for opportunities to extend their advantage.
Precious Oscar Seals the Victory
Nigeria finally secured the result in stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, substitute Oluebube Umejiaku delivered the assist for fellow substitute Precious Oscar, who headed home the second goal.
The late strike confirmed a 2-0 victory and rewarded Nigeria’s persistence after a demanding encounter. Adegbuyi was named Player of the Match for her influential display.
What the Result Means for Nigeria
The victory was an important response to Nigeria’s opening defeat against Poland and kept their hopes of progressing from Group B alive.
However, a major challenge awaits the Flamingos in their final group-stage match against defending champions DPR Korea on October 23. Nigeria will need another disciplined performance against one of the tournament’s strongest sides to strengthen their chances of advancing.
For Busari and his young team, the win over Puerto Rico offers renewed confidence and momentum as they continue their pursuit of another memorable U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign.
The Flamingos have taken an important step forward, but their World Cup journey is far from over.
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