Ikpeme Charges Flamingos To Maintain Momentum Against Mexico

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged the Flamingos to stay determined as they prepare to face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Ikpeme made the charge during a visit to the team’s training session on Monday, after Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over two-time champions Korea DPR on Friday secured their place in the knockout stage.

He urged the players to remain focused, approach the competition one match at a time and work towards securing a place in the quarter-finals.

The NFF official also promised to attend Thursday’s encounter to support the team.

Nigeria have scored six goals in three matches at the tournament. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku have scored two goals each, while Precious Oscar and Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf have also found the net.

Thursday’s match will feature two former bronze medallists at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria won bronze at the 2022 edition in India after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw in the third-place match. Mexico claimed bronze at the 2024 tournament in Morocco after beating Brazil 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

In the 2022 encounter, Nigeria established a 3-0 lead against Germany after 63 minutes, but the Germans fought back to level the score before the final whistle. The Flamingos eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to secure their first podium finish in the competition.

Future Eagles Finish Group Stage Unbeaten At FIFA U-15 World Cup

Nigeria’s U-15 boys, the Future Eagles, have completed the group stage of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, undefeated.

The team recorded a 2-1 victory over Cyprus on Monday morning before drawing 1-1 with Pakistan later in the day.

Against Cyprus, Wisdom Oche opened the scoring for Nigeria before captain Timothy Ogar Ijachi scored the winner. Ijachi had earlier sustained a knock during Sunday’s 3-3 draw against The Gambia.

The captain also scored against Pakistan, equalising in the 25th minute after the opponents had taken the lead one minute into the second period.

With the inaugural competition operating a no-elimination format, the Future Eagles will await confirmation of the next tier in which they will compete as they continue their campaign.