Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme has urged the Flamingos to maintain their determination against Mexico. Nigeria will face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Thursday, October 29, Bold Sports reports.
The Flamingos head into the knockout stage after a 3-1 victory over Korea DPR. Nigeria have scored six goals in three tournament matches. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku have contributed two goals each.
Ikpeme urges Nigeria to target quarter-finals
Ikpeme visited the team during their training session on Monday morning. He praised their performance against Korea DPR and encouraged them to approach the Mexico encounter with the same determination.
The NFF official also urged the players to take each match as it comes. He stressed the importance of remaining focused as they pursue a place in the quarter-finals.
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Furthermore, Ikpeme promised to attend Thursday’s Round of 16 encounter. His planned visit will allow him to support the Flamingos as they continue their World Cup campaign.
Flamingos share six goals across three matches
Nigeria have recorded six goals in three matches at the tournament. Adegbuyi and Umejiaku lead the team’s scoring contributions with two goals each.
Precious Oscar also scored against Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf found the net with a free-kick against Korea DPR.
The 3-1 victory over the North Koreans secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16. The Flamingos must now overcome Mexico to reach the quarter-finals.
Nigeria and Mexico renew bronze-medal rivalry
Thursday’s meeting brings together two former bronze medallists at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria claimed bronze at the tournament in India four years ago. The Flamingos defeated Germany on penalties in a dramatic third-place encounter.
Nigeria appeared to have the match under control after taking a 3-0 lead in the 63rd minute. However, Germany fought back to level the score before the final whistle.
The Flamingos eventually prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. That victory secured Nigeria’s first podium finish in the competition’s history.
Mexico also claimed bronze at last year’s tournament in Morocco. They defeated Brazil 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
With both teams boasting previous bronze-medal success, Thursday’s encounter presents another important test for Nigeria. The Flamingos will look to build on their victory over Korea DPR and meet Ikpeme’s call for continued determination as they pursue a quarter-final place.
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