The Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has commended the Flamingos for their impressive 3-1 victory over two-time champions Korea DPR, which secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

During a visit to the team’s training session on Monday morning, Ikpeme urged the players to maintain the same determination and focus as they prepare for their knockout encounter against Mexico on Thursday, October 29.

He encouraged the Nigerian youngsters to approach the competition one match at a time, stressing the importance of remaining focused on securing a place in the quarter-finals.

The NFF scribe also pledged to attend Thursday’s Round of 16 fixture to support the Flamingos as they continue their World Cup campaign.

Nigeria have scored six goals in three matches at the tournament, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku contributing two goals each. Precious Oscar scored Nigeria’s second goal in their victory over Puerto Rico, while Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf found the net with a free-kick against Korea DPR.

Thursday’s encounter will bring together two former bronze medallists at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria claimed bronze at the 2022 edition in India after defeating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout in the third-place match. Mexico, meanwhile, secured bronze at last year’s tournament, also hosted by Morocco, after beating Brazil 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

In the 2022 third-place playoff, the Flamingos established a 3-0 lead against Germany after 63 minutes, only for their opponents to fight back and level the score before the final whistle.

Nigeria eventually prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, securing their first-ever podium finish in the history of the competition.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their group-stage performance when they face Mexico, with a quarter-final place at stake.