Nigeria’s Flamingos must bounce back on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, when they face Puerto Rico in their second Group B match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. After a 2-1 loss to Poland in the opener, the Flamingos need a result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Here is a full preview of Nigeria vs Puerto Rico, including the group situation, the squad and where Nigeria stand.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, Group B |
| Fixture | Nigeria vs Puerto Rico |
| Date | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
| Host country | Morocco |
| Kick-off time | Check FIFA’s official match schedule (Nigeria is on GMT+1; Moroccan kick-offs on this matchday have been listed in GMT) |
| Nigeria’s coach | Akeem Busari |
Kick-off times for other Group B games have been listed in GMT, so add one hour for Nigerian time. Confirm the exact time for this fixture on FIFA’s website or app before you tune in.
Group B: Where Things Stand
Nigeria were drawn in a difficult group with Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico. Korea DPR are the two-time defending champions. After the first round of games, Korea DPR and Poland have three points each, while Nigeria and Puerto Rico are yet to pick up any.
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 17 October | Poland 2-1 Nigeria |
| 20 October | Nigeria vs Puerto Rico |
| 23 October | Nigeria vs Korea DPR (15:00 GMT) |
The tournament runs from 17 October to 7 November in Morocco and features 24 teams. The group stage ends on 25 October, with the round of 16 starting on 28 October.
How Nigeria Lost to Poland
The Flamingos fell 2-1 to Poland at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat on 17 October. Poland went ahead in the 33rd minute when Wiktoria Skrzypczak scored from the penalty spot after a VAR review. A goal for Poland was ruled out for offside in the 63rd minute, but they doubled their lead two minutes later through Natalia Skrok, who capitalised on a defensive mistake. Oluebube Umejiaku was credited with Nigeria’s late goal in the 79th minute following a free-kick. Nigeria also appealed for a penalty late in the game, but the decision went against them after another VAR check.
The match showed that the Flamingos can create chances, but they were hurt by a poor clearance and a failure to take their opportunities.
Puerto Rico: What to Expect
Puerto Rico also began the tournament without points. They are the lowest-profile side in the group, but youth tournaments can be unpredictable, and Nigeria cannot afford to take them lightly. For the Flamingos, a win is close to essential. Under the 24-team format, finishing in the top two of the group, or among the best third-placed teams, is the route to the last 16, so goals and goal difference may matter.
Nigeria’s Squad
Coach Akeem Busari named a 21-player squad made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards. Players named in the announced list include:
- Goalkeepers: Jane Ijirigho, Mercy Felix, Onyinyechi Opara
- Defenders: Elizabeth Adesuyi, Esther Stephen, Chidera Oparanmegwa, Azeezat Oduntan, Opeyemi Sunday, Rodiat Yusuf, Kaosarat Akanji
The squad also includes forwards such as Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who featured in the build-up to the tournament. Check the official FIFA squad list for the final roster.
How Nigeria Got Here
The Flamingos qualified for the finals by beating Benin 8-5 on aggregate, winning 3-2 in Ikenne and 5-3 in Lomé. Earlier in the qualifiers they had thrashed Guinea 11-0 over two legs. Before leaving for Morocco, they also played in the WAFU-B U-17 girls’ tournament in Côte d’Ivoire as preparation.
This is Nigeria’s ninth appearance at the tournament. Their best finish is third place at the 2022 edition in India, where they beat Germany on penalties in the third-place play-off. They have also reached the quarter-finals four times, though they are yet to win the title. Nigeria is one of five African nations at the finals, alongside hosts Morocco.
How to Watch Nigeria vs Puerto Rico
FIFA usually streams its tournaments on FIFA+ in many territories, and local broadcasters pick up rights in different countries. Broadcast arrangements vary and can change, so check FIFA’s official channels and your local sports broadcasters for confirmed coverage in Nigeria.
What Nigeria Need to Do
- Be clinical: The Flamingos created chances against Poland but scored only once.
- Tighten up at the back: The second Polish goal came from a clearance mistake.
- Win well: A comfortable victory would help goal difference ahead of the Korea DPR game on 23 October.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nigeria vs Puerto Rico at the U-17 Women’s World Cup?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in Morocco.
Who is Nigeria’s coach?
The Flamingos are coached by Akeem Busari, who led them through qualification.
What happened in Nigeria’s first match?
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Poland on 17 October in Rabat.
Who else is in Group B?
Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR, the two-time defending champions.
When does Nigeria play Korea DPR?
The final group game is on 23 October 2026, with a listed kick-off of 15:00 GMT.
What is Nigeria’s best finish at this tournament?
Third place, achieved in 2022.
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