The Flamingos, after the narrow victory, will now face Venezuela in the quarter-finals, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s Flamingos on Thursday qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after securing a narrow 2-1 win over Mexico.
The West Africans began their campaign with a 2-1 opening-day defeat to Poland, but bounced back with a resounding 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
They then produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 to secure a place in the knockout stages.
After resisting a barrage of attacks, Mexico finally caved in in the 39th minute when forward Oluebube Umejiaku capitalised on a defensive error, collected the ball inside the box, and finished past goalkeeper Ania López to give Nigeria the lead.
The Flamingos continued to press after the break, and Mary Dunstan doubled the advantage for the African side in the 70th minute.
She reacted quickest after substitute Precious Oscar’s effort was punched away by López, collecting the rebound before lifting her shot over the goalkeeper and into the net.
VAR officials reviewed the goal for a possible foul by Oscar in the build-up, but ruled that it should stand.
Mexico mounted a late push, with Delgado pulling one back in the second minute of added time after controlling a loose ball following a corner and firing into the net.
However, Nigeria held on to secure the win and their place in the last eight of the competition, where they will face Venezuela.
