Flamingos End Eight-Year Wait for U-17 World Cup Quarter-Final Return
Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Mexico 2-1 in their Round of 16 encounter in Morocco on Thursday.
The Nigerian side sealed the victory through goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dustan, extending their unbeaten record against Mexico in the competition. The result also marks Nigeria’s fifth appearance in the tournament’s quarter-final stage and their first since the 2024 edition.
Umejiaku opened the scoring in the 40th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse by the Mexican team. Nigeria maintained its advantage until the closing stages, when Dustan doubled the lead with a finish into the roof of the net after Mexico goalkeeper Ania Lopez failed to deal with a cross.
Mexico pulled one back through Emily Delgado in stoppage time, but the Flamingos held on to preserve their lead and book their place in the last eight. Although Mexico recorded more shots on target, Nigeria made better use of key opportunities to secure the win.
The team, coached by Akeem Busari, will now face Venezuela on November 1 for a place in the semi-finals as they continue their campaign for the world title.
