By Mega Awareness Sports Desk
SALE, MOROCCO —Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.
Mega Awareness gathered that the match played on Thursday night at Pitch 4, Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale, Morocco, saw the Nigerian girls show class and resilience to edge past the Mexicans.
Oluebube Umejiaku opened scoring for Nigeria in the 40th minute with a clinical finish after a brilliant team move, giving the Flamingos a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Mexico equalized early in second half to make it 1-1 and piled pressure, but the Nigerian girls held firm.
In the 71st minute, Mary Dunstan restored Nigeria’s lead with a powerful strike that sent the Nigerian bench into wild jubilation. The goal proved to be the winner as the Flamingos defended stoutly till final whistle.
With the victory, Nigeria have booked a place in the last 8 and will now face Venezuela in the quarter-final on *Sunday, November 1, by 7:00pm Nigerian time* at the same venue.
Venezuela booked their own ticket after causing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament — beating former champions Germany 1-0.
Reacting to the win, head coach Bankole Olowookere praised his girls for their fighting spirit, saying the target remains to surpass their bronze medal feat in 2022 and bring the trophy home.
Ghana’s Black Maidens also progressed after defeating Argentina on penalties in another Round of 16 clash, meaning two African teams are now in the quarter-finals.
The Flamingos have been impressive so far in Morocco, showing tactical discipline and attacking flair. Fans back home have taken to social media to celebrate the girls, with many tipping them to go all the way.
Mega Awareness will bring you live updates from the quarter-final on Sunday.