Nigeria’s Flamingos face a tough test against defending champions Korea DPR on Friday as they seek to secure qualification for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Korea DPR have dominated Group B, winning their opening two matches to move to the top of the standings. The two-time champions have scored 12 goals and conceded just one, highlighting their attacking strength as they pursue another title.

Nigeria, bronze medallists in 2022, are hoping to keep their campaign alive after opening with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico.

The Flamingos need a disciplined performance against the North Koreans, with their place in the knockout stage still within reach.

A victory or draw would guarantee Nigeria’s progression to the next round, while a defeat would leave their fate dependent on the outcome of the Poland-Puerto Rico match and the applicable tiebreakers.

The two teams have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria claimed a 3-2 victory in 2010, but Korea DPR recorded a 3-0 win when they met again in 2016.

Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to remain defensively organised and convert their scoring opportunities against a side that has been impressive in its group matches.

The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. local time, corresponding to 4 p.m. Nigerian time, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé/Rabat.