According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos are preparing for an important encounter against Mexico in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, with the Nigerian team hoping to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the competition.

The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Morocco, where both countries will battle for a place among the remaining eight teams in the tournament.

Nigeria will be determined to continue their campaign with a positive result, although Mexico are expected to provide strong opposition in what could be a closely contested encounter.

Ahead of the match, Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari faces the responsibility of selecting a starting eleven capable of handling Mexico's attacking threats while maintaining enough quality to create scoring opportunities.

The Nigerian tactician could settle for a 4-3-3 formation, allowing his players to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing sufficient support for the attacking department.

In goal, Jane Ijirigho could be handed another opportunity to represent Nigeria. The goalkeeper would be expected to remain composed under pressure and make important saves whenever Mexico threaten the Nigerian goal.

The defensive department could consist of Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Kanyinsola Yusuf.

Oduntan could occupy the right-back position, while Yusuf may be deployed on the opposite side of the defence. Their ability to support attacking movements while maintaining defensive discipline could be important.

Meanwhile, Sunday and Stephen could be selected as the two central defenders, with both players expected to provide protection for the goalkeeper and deal with Mexico's attacking players.

In midfield, Nigeria could start Mary Dunstan alongside Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu.

Dunstan may be positioned in front of the defence, where she could help recover possession and initiate attacking movements. Nkwocha and Rafiu could operate further forward, linking the midfield with the attacking department.

Their performances could play a significant role in determining whether Nigeria control possession and create enough chances against their opponents.

In attack, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku could form Nigeria's preferred offensive combination.

Joseph could feature on the right wing, while Umejiaku may start from the left flank. Both players would be expected to use their movement and attacking abilities to create difficulties for Mexico's defenders.

Adegbuyi could lead the frontline as the central striker, with the responsibility of converting opportunities and providing a constant attacking threat.

Nigeria's Possible Starting XI Against Mexico (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Jane Ijirigho.

Right-back: Azeezat Oduntan.

Centre-backs: Ohunene Sunday and Esther Stephen.

Left-back: Kanyinsola Yusuf.

Midfielders: Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu.

Right-winger: Queen Joseph.

Left-winger: Oluebube Umejiaku.

Centre-forward: Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Other members of the Nigerian squad who could be available for selection include Onyinyechi Opara, Mercy Felix, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Muinat Rotimi, Awawu Bashiru, Precious Oscar, Kaosarat Akanji, Chidera Chidi and Sakirat Sarafa.

The availability of these players could provide the coaching staff with additional options should tactical adjustments or substitutions become necessary during the encounter.

However, the predicted lineup remains subject to change, as the final decision will depend on the coaching staff's assessment of the players before kickoff.

Nigeria will be hoping to deliver an impressive performance against Mexico and secure a place in the quarter-finals as the Flamingos continue their pursuit of success at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.