Nigeria’s Flamingos urged to be clinical in Mexico last-16 tie

Nigeria head coach Akeem Busari has called on the Flamingos to be more ruthless in front of goal when they face Mexico in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Thursday.

The Flamingos scored six goals during the group stage but also conceded three, and Busari believes improved finishing will be crucial as Nigeria begin the knockout phase of the competition.

With defeat bringing their tournament to an immediate end, the coach has focused his players on making the most of their opportunities against a Mexico side he regards as a serious contender for the trophy.

“We know there is no second chance, and we let the players know why it is important to take their opportunities once and for all,” Busari told the team’s media.

The Nigerian coach also stressed the need for the squad to approach the match with the correct mindset, acknowledging the quality of their opponents while insisting that Mexico will also respect the Flamingos.

“Mexico are a very good side. I believe they respect us, and we equally have respect for them because every team at this particular stage is a contender for the trophy,” he said.

The match represents Nigeria’s next test after their group-stage campaign and offers the Flamingos a chance to move into the quarter-finals.

Busari said preparations had centred on ensuring the players understood the demands of a knockout match, with concentration and readiness expected to be important from the start.

“We have just talked to the players about high mentality, a sense of readiness and a good approach to the game,” he added.

Nigeria will need to combine the attacking output that brought them six group-stage goals with greater efficiency in the decisive moments. Their three goals conceded underline the importance of maintaining discipline as well as taking the chances that come their way.

A victory over Mexico would secure the Flamingos’ place in the quarter-finals and keep their ambitions of winning the competition alive.