Nigeria’s coach Hakeem Busari is optimistic the national U17 team will continue to evolve at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup as the Flamingos Face Mexico U17 in a round-of-16 tie.

Busari and his girls finished second in their group, winning two games and losing one to host Poland in the opening game.

From the first loss to defeating previously unbeaten DPR Korea, the Flamengos have grown in the tournament, a feat Busari says comes with tournament football.

“Looking at the magnitude of this World Cup, the first game was like we are exercising the style of game we play, but now it’s a different ball game, a different attitude. Orientation has to change.

Every team has its strong points and equally has deficiencies. They top their group, a very good side.”

The round of 16 clash against Mexico presents a different opponent but one with a similar style for the coach.

“A game of the same style; the approach might be different, and taking chances is one of the major things we need to step up.”

Nigeria have scored six goals in their three matches so far at the tournament, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku accounting for two each. Precious Oscar scored the second goal against Puerto Rico while Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf netted from a free-kick against Korea DPR.

Flamingos Face Mexico U17: Clash of Bronze Medallists

Thursday’s encounter is a clash of former FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup bronze medallists.

Nigeria won bronze after a dramatic penalty-shootout win over Germany in the third-place match in India four years ago, while Mexico defeated Brazil 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win bronze medals at last year’s tournament also staged by Morocco.

In India, the Flamingos led Germany 3-0 after 63 minutes, but Germany drew level before the final whistle. However, Nigeria won the shootout 3-2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to attain the podium for the first time in the competition’s history.