Nigeria’s Flamingos have superior to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Mexico 2-1 of their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday.
Goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan secured victory for the Nigerian facet on the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Morocco, as they continued their pursuit of a second look within the competitors’s semi-finals within the final 4 years.
Umejiaku opened the scoring within the fortieth minute, giving Nigeria a deserved benefit earlier than the break.
The Flamingos maintained their lead into the second half and doubled their benefit within the 71st minute when Dunstan discovered the online to place the Nigerian women in a commanding place.
Mexico, nevertheless, refused to give up with no combat. Emily Delgado scored within the ninetieth minute of stoppage time to cut back the deficit, however Nigeria held on to safe their place within the final eight.
The victory extends the Flamingos’ marketing campaign following their spectacular 3-1 conquer defending champions DPR Korea of their remaining group match.
That consequence ended DPR Korea’s run of 18 consecutive matches with no defeat in regulation time on the U-17 Women’s World Cup, relationship again to 2018.
Nigeria started their Group B marketing campaign with a 2-1 loss to Poland earlier than responding with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico.
They completed second within the group with six factors from three matches, scoring six targets and conceding 4.
Against Mexico, the Flamingos constructed on the boldness gained from their victory over DPR Korea, producing the targets wanted to navigate a doubtlessly tough knockout encounter.
Mexico had additionally recovered from a gap 2-0 defeat to Spain, beating Chile 3-1 and Australia 1-0 to complete second in Group F with six factors.
Their progress to the Round of 16 recommended they would supply a stern take a look at for Nigeria, however the Flamingos proved extra medical when it mattered.
Thursday’s victory retains alive Nigeria’s hopes of enhancing on their earlier performances on the competitors. The Flamingos received bronze on the 2022 version in India after reaching the semi-finals.
Venezuela await Flamingos
Nigeria will face Venezuela within the quarter-finals on Sunday, 1 November, on the Mohammed VI Football Academy, Pitch 4, in Salé. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nigerian time.
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Venezuela secured their place within the final eight with a serious upset, defeating reigning European champions Germany.
The South Americans will current one other take a look at for the Flamingos, who should keep their attacking effectivity and defensive self-discipline to progress additional in Morocco.
With Mexico now behind them, Nigeria will flip their consideration to a Venezuelan facet that has already proven it could possibly upset the event favourites.
For the Flamingos, Sunday’s encounter presents an opportunity to maneuver inside one victory of one other semi-final look and strengthen their title bid.
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