U-17 WWC: Flamingos face Mexico as Africa’s last four battle for quarter-final tickets

Nigeria vs Mexico Credit: NG Super Falcons X Page

Nigeria will lead Africa’s challenge in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after qualifying alongside Ghana, hosts Morocco and Kenya.

The Flamingos finished second in Group B with six points, the highest tally among Africa’s five representatives, and will face Mexico after winning two of their three group matches.

Nigeria recovered from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland with victories over Puerto Rico (2-0) and DPR Korea (3-1) to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Ghana also advanced automatically after finishing second in Group C with four points. Following a 3-0 defeat to Norway and a 3-3 draw with Brazil, the Black Maidens beat Canada 2-0 to set up a Round of 16 meeting with Argentina.

Hosts Morocco and Kenya qualified as two of the four best third-placed teams, finishing their respective groups with three points each.

Morocco opened with a 4-0 win over New Zealand but lost to Germany and Argentina. They will now face DPR Korea as they seek to extend their home campaign.

Kenya, meanwhile, recovered from losses to China and the United States with a 4-0 win over Samoa. The result secured their progression and a Round of 16 clash with Japan.

Zambia were the only African representatives eliminated at the group stage, finishing fourth in Group D without a point. They lost 5-0 to Japan, 3-2 to Venezuela and 1-0 to France.

Nigeria’s clash with Mexico on Thursday, 29 October, presents the Flamingos with an opportunity to build on their strong finish to the group stage. Ghana will look to carry their winning momentum into their encounter with Argentina.

Hosts Morocco face DPR Korea after conceding nine goals in their final two group matches, while Kenya must overcome Japan to keep their campaign alive.

With four African teams in the last 16, the continent has several chances to advance. Consistency, defensive organisation, and clinical finishing will be crucial as they seek quarter-final spots.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini