Flamingos beat Puerto Rico 2-0 for first win at U-17 Women's World Cup

Nigeria's Flamingos are off the mark at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. The team beat Puerto Rico 2-0 on Wednesday in their second Group B match, after losing their opener to Poland.

Both goals came after the break. Kemi Adebuye opened the scoring and Precious Oscar added the second, with each player finding the net at a World Cup for the first time.

Coach Akeem Busari said the match was tight and his side wasted chances before halftime. He praised the players for staying composed, especially after the Poland defeat, and said he sat them down to regroup following that loss.

"They were no pushovers," Busari said of Puerto Rico after the final whistle. He described the squad as a work in progress and expects them to keep improving as the tournament goes on.

Relief in the camp

Adebuye said the win lifted the mood in the camp. "We are able to get our three points," she said, adding that scoring on such a big stage was a moment she will not forget.

Oscar, who came on and scored, said she prayed before stepping onto the pitch to help her teammates handle the pressure. She said she urged them not to give up and to keep pushing.

"This is my first ever World Cup goal, and I'm so happy about it," she said. She said the three points will give the team confidence for the next game.

For Nigerian fans, the result keeps the team's hopes of advancing alive. A win in their final group match would strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

What happens next

The Flamingos face North Korea in their last Group B fixture. Oscar said she will be ready whenever the coach calls on her, and the team's focus is on winning again.