Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has warned his players not to become complacent after Nigeria secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria recovered from a difficult start to the tournament with an impressive 3-1 win over defending champions North Korea on Friday, ensuring their progress to the knockout stage.

The Flamingos will now meet the runners-up from Group F for a place in the quarter-finals. Australia, Mexico and Chile are still competing for that position.

Busari praised his side’s performance against North Korea but said the players must produce even more as the tournament becomes more demanding.

“It was one of the most difficult matches that we’ve played so far. We were up against a real team of champions,” Busari told FIFA.

“We played well, but the girls are young, and I certainly don’t want them to get carried away.”

The Nigeria coach expects the level of competition to rise in the next round and called for greater strength of character, focus and intensity.

“The matches are going to get more difficult,” he said. “We want to show more character, mentality and intensity in our play.”

Busari also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and respect throughout the competition as the Flamingos pursue further progress.

“We have to make sure we don’t become complacent,” he added. “We respect the game, the referees and the rules; that’s how we’ll keep progressing.”