Nigeria’s Flamingos have already shown they can beat the best in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, but coach Akeem Busari wants his players to become more clinical when they face Mexico in Thursday’s Round of 16 clash, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian side recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico before beating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to secure their place in the knockout stage. They finished the group phase with six goals and six points, but Busari knows that creating chances will count for little if his players fail to convert them.
The victory over Korea DPR was a major boost for the Flamingos, who had faced the risk of an early exit after losing their first match. They responded with three goals against the defending champions, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf all scoring.
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Mexico are a different test. They finished second in Group F after losing 2-0 to Spain, then beat Chile 3-1 and Australia 1-0. They also claimed bronze at the 2025 tournament in Morocco, having reached the final in 2018.
Busari demands a clinical display
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s match, Busari stressed that the knockout stage leaves little room for wasted opportunities.
“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,” he said.
The coach also acknowledged Mexico’s quality and said his players must approach the match with the right mentality and readiness.
“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,” Busari added.
Nigeria beat Mexico 3-0 in the group stage of the 2014 edition, but that result is no guarantee of another victory. Thursday’s meeting in Salé is a knockout tie, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
