Kanyinsola Yusuf was named Player of the Match after her free-kick goal in the Flamingos’ 3-1 win over defending champions North Korea. The result sent Nigeria into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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Flamingos forward Kanyinsola Yusuf was named Player of the Match after scoring a superb free kick in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over defending champions North Korea at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Friday. The result took Nigeria into the Round of 16.
Yusuf’s goal came in the 56th minute, when she curled a direct free kick into the top corner. It made it 3-0 and put the game beyond North Korea’s reach, to the delight of the Flamingos’ technical staff on the touchline. New Bet9ja users can claim Bet9ja’s YOHAIG jump-start offer.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Oluebube Umejiaku added a second in the 38th. North Korea pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute through Yu Jong Hyang, but Nigeria held on.
Yusuf’s work rate and overall influence proved decisive, according to match reports, and the award rounded off a night that ended North Korea’s long unbeaten run in regular time at the tournament.
Nigeria finished second in Group B with six points, behind North Korea, and the Round of 16 awaits Mexico, Chile or Australia. Readers new to betting can see Bet9ja promotion code refresher.
The Flamingos lost 2-1 to Poland in their opener and beat Puerto Rico 2-0 before this win. That recovery shows the team’s character.
Yusuf’s free kick shows the quality Nigeria will need in the knockout stage. Set pieces can decide tight games, and the Flamingos now have a specialist.
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📌 Did You Know?
- Poland also finished on six points in Group B but were third because of an inferior goal difference.
- Adegbuyi, who scored Nigeria’s opener, is 16 years old.
- The Flamingos’ captain on the night, Oduntan, urged the team to keep fighting after the win.
- North Korea had scored 12 goals in their first two group games before meeting Nigeria.
- Some outlets list the Player of the Match as Rodiat Yusuf.
