Ikpeme visited the team during their afternoon training session in Rabat on Wednesday, encouraging the players to put their 3-1 victory over Korea DPR behind them and concentrate on the challenge ahead.
Nigeria will face Mexico on Thursday, 29 October 2026, with a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Morocco at stake.
Ikpeme urges Flamingos to stay focused
During his visit, Ikpeme reminded the players of the importance of maintaining their concentration and determination as the competition enters the knockout stage.
The victory over Korea DPR secured Nigeria’s progress, but the NFF official stressed that the team must now turn its attention to Mexico rather than dwell on its previous performance.
The Flamingos will need another disciplined display to advance to the last eight and continue Nigeria’s campaign at the global tournament.
Nigeria renew rivalry with Mexico
Thursday’s encounter also revives memories of the teams’ meeting at the 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Nigeria defeated Mexico 3-0 in a Group D match played at the Estadio Nacional in San José on 23 March 2014.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Aminat Yakubu scored for the Flamingos in that encounter, giving Nigeria a memorable victory over their upcoming opponents.
However, the teams meet again more than 12 years later, with both sides seeking a place in the quarter-finals. The previous result provides historical context, but Nigeria will need to deliver on the pitch to progress.
Flamingos target quarter-final qualification
Nigeria’s meeting with Mexico represents a crucial test of the team’s ability to maintain momentum in the knockout rounds.
With a quarter-final place available, the Flamingos will aim to build on their victory over Korea DPR and meet the challenge with the focus and determination urged by Ikpeme.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm in Morocco (4pm Nigerian time) on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Match details
• Competition: FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026
• Fixture: Nigeria U17 Women (Flamingos) vs Mexico U17 Women
• Round: Round of 16
• Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
• Kick-off: 3pm Morocco time / 4pm Nigeria time