2026 U-17 WWC: Ikpeme Fires Up Flamingos Ahead Of Mexico Showdown

The Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation , NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has applauded the Flamingos for their impressive 3-1 victory over two-time champions Korea DPR, a result that secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Speaking during a visit to the team’s training session on Monday morning, Ikpeme urged the players to sustain their determination and fighting spirit as they prepare for Thursday’s knockout encounter against Mexico, scheduled for October 29.

He encouraged the team to remain focused, approach the competition one match at a time and give their best in pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals.

The NFF chief also pledged to attend Thursday’s Round of 16 fixture to lend his support to the Flamingos as they continue their campaign at the tournament.

Nigeria have scored six goals in three matches so far, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku contributing two goals each. Precious Oscar scored Nigeria’s second goal in their encounter with Puerto Rico, while Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf found the net with a free-kick against Korea DPR.

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Thursday’s meeting will bring together two teams with a history of winning bronze medals at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos claimed bronze at the 2022 edition in India after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties in a dramatic third-place playoff, following a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Nigeria had taken a commanding 3-0 lead after 63 minutes, only for Germany to fight back and force a shootout at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The victory marked Nigeria’s first-ever podium finish in the history of the competition.

Mexico, meanwhile, secured bronze at last year’s tournament, also hosted by Morocco, after defeating Brazil 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

With both sides boasting a history of success at the competition, Thursday’s encounter promises to be a keenly contested battle as the Flamingos seek to continue their impressive run and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Adeboye Amosu is a seasoned sports journalist and Senior Content Writer with extensive experience covering Nigerian football and international football. He specializes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), provides insightful coverage, match reports, news, and analysis of the domestic game. Adeboye also follows the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Chelsea, bringing his knowledge of the teams, players, and competitions to his writing.