Ikpeme urges Flamingos to maintain focus for Mexico knockout tie

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been urged to show the same determination against Mexico after their 3-1 victory over two-time winners Korea DPR secured their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the team’s performance during a visit to their training session on Monday morning.

Ikpeme told the players to approach Thursday’s match against Mexico, on October 29, one game at a time and remain focused on securing a place in the quarter-finals.

He also pledged to attend the Round of 16 fixture and support the Flamingos as they continue their World Cup campaign.

Nigeria have scored six goals across their three matches at the tournament. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku have scored two each, while Precious Oscar found the net against Puerto Rico and Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf scored from a free-kick against Korea DPR.

The meeting with Mexico will bring together two former FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup bronze medallists.

Nigeria claimed bronze at the tournament in India four years ago after beating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout in the third-place match. The Flamingos had taken a 3-0 lead after 63 minutes, but Germany levelled before the final whistle.

Nigeria eventually prevailed 3-2 on penalties at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to reach the competition’s podium for the first time in their history.

Mexico also won bronze at last year’s tournament, which was staged by Morocco. They defeated Brazil 3-1 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1.