Nigeria’s Flamingos returned to winning ways at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico in their second Group B fixture on Tuesday.
The match, played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, saw the Nigerian girls respond strongly to their opening-day defeat against Poland as they secured their first three points of the competition.
Head coach Akeem Busari made key adjustments to his team following the Flamingos’ disappointing 2-1 loss to Poland last Saturday, with the changes helping to improve the team’s midfield control and defensive organisation.
The tactical adjustments paid off as Nigeria took charge of the contest from the opening whistle, applying pressure on their opponents and creating opportunities in the attacking third.
Forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing clinically to give the Flamingos a deserved lead after a promising start.
Nigeria maintained their dominance for much of the encounter, pressing high up the pitch and limiting Puerto Rico’s opportunities to build attacks from the back.
The Nigerian defence also delivered a disciplined performance, keeping the tournament debutants at bay and preserving a clean sheet.
Substitute Precious Oscar eventually sealed the victory in the 93rd minute, doubling Nigeria’s advantage late in the game to ensure the Flamingos claimed all three points.
The result gives Nigeria renewed hope of advancing to the Round of 16 after their opening defeat, putting them in a stronger position ahead of their final group-stage fixture.
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to Friday’s decisive Group B encounter against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea), where they will aim to secure a favourable result and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
