Mexico made a bright start to the Round of 16 encounter but struggled to break down Nigeria’s resolute defence.

The Flamingos gradually grew into the game and took the lead five minutes before half-time through Oluebube Umejiaku, who expertly fired home from inside the box to register her third goal of the tournament.

Nigeria continued to dominate after the restart, pushing Mexico deep into their own half with sustained attacking pressure.

Their dominance paid off in the 71st minute when Mary Dunstan unleashed a thunderous strike to double the Flamingos’ advantage and put them firmly in control of the contest.

Mexico refused to give up and pulled one back through Emily Delgado deep into stoppage time, setting up a tense finish.

However, Nigeria held on to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the last eight.

The Flamingos will now face Venezuela in the quarter-finals, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.