Ikpeme Urges Flamingos To Sustain Winning Run Against Mexico

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has charged the Flamingos to maintain their winning momentum and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Ikpeme gave the charge during a visit to the team’s training session on Monday morning, following Nigeria’s impressive 3-1 victory over two-time champions Korea DPR on Friday, a result that secured their passage to the Round of 16.

He urged the players to approach Thursday’s knockout encounter against Mexico with determination, discipline and focus, while encouraging them to take the tournament one match at a time.

The NFF scribe also promised to be present at the Round of 16 encounter to cheer the team as they continue their quest for another podium finish.

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

Thursday’s encounter will pit two former bronze medalists against each other, with both Nigeria and Mexico seeking to advance their quest for the title.

Nigeria claimed bronze at the 2022 edition in India after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties in a dramatic third-place match. The Flamingos had raced into a 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 Nigerian girls held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure their first-ever podium finish in the competition.

Mexico also won bronze at the 2025 edition, staged in Morocco, defeating Brazil 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.