Nigeria’s Flamingos will face Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Thursday, October 29.
The Nigerian side finished second in Group B with six points from three games, sealing qualification with a stunning 3-1 win over defending champions Korea DPR on Friday.
Mexico also progressed as runners-up in Group F, setting up a quarter-final ticket showdown.
The Flamingos went into the Korea DPR game with renewed confidence after ending the champions’ 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 38th minute from Tosin Rafiu’s assist. Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3-0 in the 56th minute with a superb free-kick. Korea DPR pulled one back through Yu Jong-hyang’s 82nd-minute penalty, but Nigeria held on for a memorable victory.
The win came after an opening 2-1 loss to Poland and a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico. Nigeria finished second behind Korea DPR, with Poland also advancing.
Mexico bounced back from a 2-0 opening defeat to Spain, beating Chile 3-1 and Australia 1-0 to reach the knockout stage.
The encounter will be a different test for head coach Akeem Busari’s side, who must maintain their attacking threat while staying disciplined at the back.
Nigeria finished third at the 2022 edition in India and will be eager to make another strong statement. Mexico also have pedigree, having finished runners-up in 2018 and winning bronze in 2025.
