Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to meet Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Thursday, October 29, after claiming second place in Group B.
The Nigerian side reached the knockout rounds with six points from three fixtures, sealing their group programme with a striking 3-1 win against reigning champions Korea DPR on Friday.
Quick facts
- Nigeria finished second in Group B on six points.
- The Flamingos beat Korea DPR 3-1 in their final group match.
- Mexico came second in Group F.
- The Round of 16 tie will be played on Thursday, October 29, in Morocco.
- The winners will progress to the quarter-finals.
Mexico progressed as runners-up from Group F, creating a knockout meeting between two teams aiming to extend their World Cup runs into the last eight.
Nigeria will take significant belief into the match after their success against Korea DPR ended the champions’ 18-game unbeaten record in regulation time at the tournament.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave the Flamingos the lead after 15 minutes. Oluebube Umejiaku then struck in the 38th minute, finishing after being supplied by Tosin Rafiu.
Kanyinsola Yusuf extended the advantage with an excellent free-kick in the 56th minute, leaving the two-time holders facing a major setback. Korea DPR pulled one back when Yu Jong-hyang converted an 82nd-minute penalty, but Nigeria protected their lead to complete a notable result.
The victory came after Nigeria had opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Poland, followed by a 2-0 defeat of Puerto Rico. The Flamingos ended the section behind Korea DPR, while Poland also qualified.
Mexico responded well after beginning with a 2-0 defeat against Spain. They overcame Chile 3-1 and then edged Australia 1-0 to book their place in the elimination phase.
The Mexican team is expected to pose a contrasting test for coach Akeem Busari’s squad. Nigeria will need to retain their attacking edge while showing discipline at the back.
The Flamingos finished third at the 2022 tournament in India and will seek another statement run on the world stage. Mexico bring substantial pedigree as well, having been beaten finalists in 2018 and bronze medallists in 2025.
