Nigeria’s Flamingos have returned to training as they step up preparations for Thursday’s Round of 16 clash against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Head coach Akeem Busari and his technical crew will be working to ensure the team carries its winning momentum into the knockout stage after an impressive 3-1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR in their final Group B fixture.

The result secured Nigeria’s passage to the last 16, with the Flamingos finishing second in Group B on six points from three matches.

Nigeria began the competition with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but responded with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing their standout performance against Korea DPR.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute against the defending champions, while Oluebube Umejiaku extended Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute.

Kanyinsola Yusuf then added a third with a superb free-kick in the 56th minute. Korea DPR managed a late consolation from the penalty spot, but Nigeria held on to secure a memorable victory.

Mexico Await Flamingos in Knockout Test

The Flamingos will face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Mexico booked their place in the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F with six points. They recovered from a 2-0 opening defeat to Spain by beating Chile 3-1 before edging Australia 1-0 in their final group match.

Citlalli Reyes scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute against Australia to confirm Mexico’s qualification and set up the meeting with Nigeria.

The encounter presents another major test for Busari’s side, who will need to combine the attacking quality displayed against Korea DPR with greater defensive discipline against a Mexican team that has shown its ability to recover from an early setback.

With elimination awaiting the losing side, the Nigerian coaching crew will be focused on ensuring the players are physically ready, tactically organised and mentally prepared for the challenge.

The Flamingos will also be aiming to improve on their previous performances at the tournament. Nigeria claimed the bronze medal at the 2022 edition in India, and progression against Mexico would bring the current squad one step closer to another strong finish.

Victory would secure Nigeria a place in the quarter-finals and keep their hopes of winning the title alive.

Match Details

• Fixture: Nigeria vs Mexico
• Competition: 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
• Stage: Round of 16
• Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Venue: Women’s Football Complex, Salé, Morocco
• Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. Nigerian time
• Stakes: A place in the quarter-finals

FIFA confirms that the Round of 16 fixture is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, with Nigeria facing Mexico after both teams finished second in their respective groups.