The Flamingos head coach says his side scored six goals in the group stage but must improve their finishing as the knockout phase begins in Rabat.
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Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has urged his players to convert their chances when Nigeria face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Thursday. Nigeria scored six goals in the group stage but also conceded three.
Busari wants his side to sharpen their finishing as the tournament enters its knockout phase. The coach says taking chances will be crucial now that every game is sudden death.
“There is no second chance,” Busari told the team’s media. He said the staff have made sure the players understand why they must take their opportunities once and for all.
That message follows a group stage that produced goals from several players. Fans who follow the senior game can read about the Bet9ja sign-up bonus before the next fixtures.
Respect for a Dangerous Mexico
Busari did not underestimate the opposition. He called Mexico a very good side and said he believes they respect Nigeria as much as Nigeria respects them.
Mexico lost 2-0 to Spain in their opening game, then beat Chile 3-1 with a second-half comeback. They are playing in their ninth U-17 Women’s World Cup, a record among Concacaf teams that they share with Canada.
Mexico finished second in Group F, which also included Spain, Chile and Australia. The Flamingos finished second in Group B after beating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1.
That means two runners-up meet in a knockout tie that looks tight. Readers who follow Nigerian football can also grab this YOHAIG promotion before the next round of games.
Mentality Matters
Busari also stressed mentality. He said every team left at this stage is a contender for the trophy, so the Flamingos must have the right mindset.
The coach said the squad has spoken about a strong mentality, a sense of readiness and a good approach to the game.
Can the Flamingos turn that into goals? Their group-stage tally says they can, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku each scoring twice.
Defence matters just as much as finishing in a one-game knockout. Nigeria let in three goals in the group stage, so Busari will want a cleaner sheet. Anyone planning a bet on the senior game can check this Bet9ja promo code walkthrough first.
A win would send Nigeria into the quarter-finals. Busari’s message is clear: the opportunities will not come twice.
The Flamingos have the quality to go further. Thursday will show whether their finishing is up to the task.
📌 Did You Know?
- Nigeria opened their 2026 group campaign with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico.
- Mexico are coached by Miguel Ángel Gamero.
- Mexico’s goals in the 3-1 win over Chile came from Mia Urbano, Citlalli Reyes and Nicole Jiménez.
- Mexico goalkeeper Ania López-Acuña was 16 years and 263 days old in the opener, the youngest Mexican goalkeeper at the tournament in the last five editions.
- Last year, Nigeria reached the Round of 16 with a 4-0 win over Samoa in Rabat, and then met Italy.
- This is the second year in a row that Morocco has hosted the tournament.
