According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos are preparing for their important Round of 16 clash against Mexico at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with a possible starting lineup emerging ahead of the knockout encounter.

The Nigerian youngsters will face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Head coach Akeem Busari will be hoping his players can produce a strong performance and keep Nigeria’s hopes of winning the competition alive.

The Flamingos could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, allowing the team to maintain defensive stability while offering enough attacking options to trouble their opponents.

Jane Ijirigho is expected to continue as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. She will be responsible for organising the defence and dealing with Mexico’s attacking threats.

At the back, Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Kanyinsola Yusuf could form the defensive unit. Oduntan and Yusuf are likely to occupy the full-back positions, while Sunday and Stephen could partner each other in central defence.

Their ability to remain organised, close down spaces and prevent Mexico from creating clear chances could prove important to Nigeria’s chances of progressing.

In midfield, Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu are possible selections as Busari looks to combine defensive discipline with creativity.

Dunstan could take up a deeper role, providing protection for the backline and helping the team move possession forward. Nkwocha and Rafiu, meanwhile, could operate further up the pitch, linking the midfield with the attacking players.

Nigeria’s forward line could consist of Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Joseph is expected to provide width from the right flank, while Umejiaku could operate on the opposite side. Adegbuyi could lead the attack as the central striker, with the responsibility of troubling Mexico’s defenders and taking advantage of goalscoring opportunities.

Nigeria’s Possible Starting XI Against Mexico (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Jane Ijirigho.
• Defenders: Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen, Kanyinsola Yusuf.
• Midfielders: Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu.
• Forwards: Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku.

Other players who could come into consideration include Onyinyechi Opara, Mercy Felix, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Muinat Rotimi, Awawu Bashiru, Precious Oscar, Kaosarat Akanji, Chidera Chidi and Sakirat Sarafa.

With a quarter-final place on the line, Nigeria will be counting on their selected players to deliver a disciplined and confident performance against Mexico. The Flamingos will be determined to overcome the challenge and continue their campaign in Morocco.