Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have resumed training as they intensify preparations for their Round of 16 encounter against Mexico at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Head coach Akeem Busari and his technical crew will be working to maintain the team’s momentum following an impressive 3-1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR in their final Group B fixture.
The result secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage, with the Flamingos finishing second in their group with six points from three matches.
The Nigerian youngsters had opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
They subsequently delivered one of the tournament’s standout performances by defeating two-time defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to confirm their progression to the Round of 16.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring against Korea DPR in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute.
Kanyinsola Yusuf extended the lead with a superb free-kick in the 56th minute, while Korea DPR scored a late consolation from the penalty spot.
Nigeria will face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, 2026, with both teams battling for a place in the quarter-finals.
The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. Nigerian time (3:00 p.m. Moroccan time).
Mexico secured their Round of 16 ticket after finishing second in Group F with six points from three matches.
The North American side recovered from a 2-0 opening defeat to Spain by beating Chile 3-1 before recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Australia in their final group fixture.
Citlalli Reyes scored the decisive goal against Australia in the 35th minute to confirm Mexico’s qualification and set up the meeting with Nigeria.
With a quarter-final place at stake, the Flamingos will need to maintain the attacking intensity they displayed against Korea DPR while remaining defensively disciplined against a Mexican side that has demonstrated its ability to recover from setbacks.
Busari’s immediate task will be to ensure his players remain focused, physically prepared and tactically organised as Nigeria pursue another victory in Morocco.
The Flamingos will also be aiming to improve on their previous performances at the tournament and move a step closer to another podium finish, having claimed the bronze medal at the 2022 edition in India.
Victory over Mexico would secure Nigeria a place in the quarter-finals and strengthen the team’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the title.
