Nigeria’s Flamingos have sent a strong warning to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup rivals after defeating Mexico 2-1 to book a quarter-final showdown with Venezuela, prompting coach Akeem Busari to declare emphatically that his team are “no pushovers.”

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team coach, Akeem Busari, has declared that the Flamingos are no pushovers after their hard-fought victory over Mexico secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian youngsters produced a disciplined performance to defeat Mexico 2-1, with goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan ensuring their progression to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela.

Reflecting on the encounter, Busari acknowledged the tactical demands and psychological pressure that come with the knockout stages of the competition but insisted that his players had demonstrated their ability to withstand the challenge.

“When you come into this kind of competition, and you get to the knockout stages, it’s more tactical, and there’s a lot of intensity involved because they’re young and anxiety comes because it’s the knockout stage,” he said.

“Today was a tough game, but we’re no pushovers.”

Mexico started brightly, with captain Citlalli Reyes threatening Nigeria’s defence on two occasions. However, goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho denied her when she broke through on goal, while another attempt was deflected behind.

The Flamingos gradually settled into the contest and took the lead when Mexico failed to deal with Esther Stephen’s searching ball forward. The opportunity fell to Umejiaku, who made no mistake, firing into the top corner.

Nigeria maintained their composure after the break and extended their advantage through Dunstan, who powered home after Mexico failed to clear Kanyinsola Yusuf’s cross convincingly.

Although Emily Delgado reduced the deficit for Mexico deep into stoppage time, the Flamingos held on to claim a valuable victory.

On the Mexican side, coach Miguel Gamero acknowledged his players’ commitment and determination despite the elimination, stressing that the experience should contribute to their long-term development.

“I think we have to highlight the team’s commitment and the fact that the players kept fighting until the very end,” Gamero said.

“The most important thing is to learn and grow, helping them develop step by step as Mexican footballers so they can eventually progress to the senior national team.”

While Mexico turn their attention to rebuilding and developing the next generation, Nigeria will now focus on their quarter-final encounter against Venezuela, with Busari’s charges seeking to sustain their impressive campaign and move closer to the championship.

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