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, after finishing second in Group B.

The Nigerian lasses secured their place in the knockout stage with six points from three matches, rounding off their group campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR on Friday.

Mexico also advanced after finishing second in Group F, setting up a contest between two sides seeking a place in the quarter-finals.

The Flamingos will approach the encounter with renewed confidence after ending Korea DPR’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute, converting a pass from Tosin Rafiu.

Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3–0 in the 56th minute with a superb free-kick, putting the two-time defending champions under considerable pressure. Korea DPR reduced the deficit through Yu Jong-hyang’s penalty in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria held on for a memorable victory.

The result followed a 2–1 defeat to Poland in Nigeria’s opening game and a 2–0 win over Puerto Rico. The Flamingos finished second behind Korea DPR, with Poland also advancing from the group.

Mexico, meanwhile, recovered from a 2–0 opening defeat to Spain with a 3–1 victory over Chile before beating Australia 1–0 to secure their knockout-stage place.

The Mexicans will present a different challenge for head coach Akeem Busari and his players, who must maintain their attacking threat while remaining disciplined defensively.

Nigeria finished third at the 2022 edition in India and will be keen to make another strong impression on the global stage. Mexico also have a notable record in the competition, having finished runners-up in 2018 and claimed bronze in 2025. (The Nation)