According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos are getting ready for their highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, as attention shifts towards the players who could feature in the starting lineup.

The Nigerian youngsters will face their Mexican counterparts on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Having progressed beyond the group stage, the Flamingos will be eager to produce another strong performance and keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive.

Head coach Akeem Busari could decide to use a 4-3-3 formation for the encounter, combining defensive stability with attacking options capable of troubling the Mexican side.

Jane Ijirigho is among the players expected to compete for a starting position, with the goalkeeper potentially retaining her place in Nigeria's lineup. Her ability to organize the defence and respond to dangerous situations could prove valuable during the knockout encounter.

At the back, Azeezat Oduntan and Kanyinsola Yusuf could occupy the two full-back positions, while Ohunene Sunday and Esther Stephen may be trusted to operate in central defence.

The defensive quartet would be responsible for limiting Mexico's attacking movements and ensuring that Nigeria remain compact whenever their opponents gain possession.

In the middle of the pitch, Mary Dunstan could be joined by Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu. The three midfielders would be expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, particularly when Nigeria attempt to move the ball into dangerous areas.

Dunstan could be assigned a defensive midfield role, providing additional protection for the backline. Nkwocha and Rafiu, meanwhile, may be given greater freedom to advance and connect with the attacking players.

Nigeria could also rely on Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku to lead their offensive efforts against Mexico.

Joseph may start on the right side of the attack, using her movement to stretch the opposition's defence, while Umejiaku could occupy the left-wing position.

Adegbuyi could be deployed as the central forward, where her main responsibility would be to challenge Mexico's defenders and take advantage of opportunities created by her teammates.

Nigeria's Predicted Starting Lineup Against Mexico (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Jane Ijirigho.

Defenders: Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Kanyinsola Yusuf.

Midfielders: Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu.

Attackers: Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff could also consider several other squad members, including Onyinyechi Opara, Mercy Felix, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Muinat Rotimi, Awawu Bashiru, Precious Oscar, Kaosarat Akanji, Chidera Chidi and Sakirat Sarafa.

Although the official starting eleven will only become clear closer to kickoff, Nigeria will be aiming to approach the contest with determination and tactical discipline.

A victory over Mexico would send the Flamingos into the last eight and move them another step closer to achieving their ambitions at the tournament.