Nigeria’s women’s U-17 team, the Flamingos, are faced with their toughest game of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when the face North Korea today.

Nigeria risks elimination if they fail to win the game, but a Flamingos’ victory today will surprise many followers of the ongoing championship in Morocco.

The North Koreans, who have lifted the trophy on two occasions since the competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, have been impressive so far in this year’s tournament, winning both of their opening matches to secure top spot in Group B. They have scored 12 goals and conceded only one, underlining their strength as they chase a third consecutive title.

2022 bronze medal-winners Nigeria, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their campaign alive after losing 2-1 to Poland before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico. The Flamingos will need a strong performance against the defending champions, with qualification still within reach.

A win or draw would secure their place in the knockout stage, while a defeat would leave their fate dependent on the result between Poland and Puerto Rico and the applicable tiebreakers. The two sides have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, with Nigeria winning their first encounter 3-2 in 2010 before Korea DPR claimed a 3-0 victory in 2016.

Both teams will be looking to make their mark when they meet again in Morocco. Coach Akeem Busari and his players will need to be disciplined defensively and take their chances in front of goal against a side that has looked strong in the group stage.

The match will kick off at 3pm local time (4 pm Nigerian time) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé/Rabat.