Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Precious Oscar gave Nigeria a 2–0 victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, earning the Flamingos their first points at the U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The result restores their chance of progressing from Group B after the opening defeat against Poland, without settling qualification before the final round.
Adegbuyi broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Nigeria carried that narrow advantage into the closing stages before substitute Oscar added the second in stoppage time. The NFF’s match report and Concacaf’s account agree on the two scorers and the final score, giving Nigerian supporters a clear result to take into Friday’s meeting with DPR Korea.
‘It was a very thorough and strong win,’ coach Akeem Busari told FIFA after the match. His assessment acknowledged a difficult opponent rather than presenting the evening as a comfortable exercise. FIFA also named Adegbuyi as Player of the Match, recognising her contribution beyond the opening goal.
Goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho mattered at the other end. FIFA’s report describes saves from Isabella Sanabria-Cora and Aleeya Olmo as Puerto Rico searched for a way back. The clean sheet therefore belongs alongside the scorers in any assessment of Nigeria’s response: holding a one-goal lead was part of the work needed to earn the second.
The next challenge is different. DPR Korea have won both group games and remain a serious obstacle, so this victory should be treated as a platform rather than a qualification announcement. Nigeria can take confidence from recovering after Poland while still recognising how much remains to be done. What impressed you most about the Flamingos’ response: Adegbuyi’s threat, Oscar’s late contribution or Ijirigho’s saves?
