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The Nigerian Flamencos face a tough test against Cup holders Korea DPR on Friday as they look to secure a place in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The North Koreans, who have lifted the trophy twice since the competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, have been impressive so far in this year’s tournament, winning their first two matches to secure top spot in Group B. They have scored 12 goals and conceded just one, underlining their strength as they chase a third consecutive title.
Meanwhile, 2022 bronze medal winner Nigeria is struggling to keep its campaign alive after losing 2-1 to Poland before bouncing back with a 2-0 win over tournament debutants Puerto Rico. The Flamencos will need a strong performance against the defending champions as qualification is still within reach.
A win or a draw would secure their place in the knockout phase, while a loss would leave their fate depending on the result between Poland and Puerto Rico and the applicable tiebreakers. The two teams have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, with Nigeria winning their first meeting 3-2 in 2010 before Korea DPR claiming a 3-0 victory in 2016.
Both teams will look to make their mark when they meet again in Morocco. Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to be defensively disciplined and take advantage of their opportunities in front of goal against a team that looked strong in the group stage.
The match will begin at 3:00 p.m. local time (4:00 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé/Rabat.
