Jane Ijirigho is happy – and Nigeria is happier.
The Flamingoes’ giant goalkeeper stood tallest when it mattered most in Rabat, as Nigeria edged Mexico 2-1 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
Giant Frame, Giant Saves
At 1.92m, Ijirigho is the tallest player at the tournament, and she needed every inch of that towering frame on Thursday. Just six minutes in, Mexico’s danger woman Citlalli Reyes was sent clean through from the edge of the box, hunting her third goal of the competition.
The Mexican captain pulled the trigger – but Ijirigho dived low to brilliantly deny her. She repeated the heroics later, tipping a fierce long-range thunderbolt from Kemberly Garcia onto the crossbar.” I was very happy to make the save,” a beaming Ijirigho told FIFA after the match.
“The team did very well; honestly, I’m very proud of them. We came out with a great team spirit, and we know we have the quality.”
Coach, Teammates Hail Awesome No 1
Coach Akeem Busari, who had praised Ijirigho after her match-winning stops against Puerto Rico in the group stage, was again full of praise. “She’s awesome. She has been fantastic in every tournament. She has a great mentality, and she really wants to do her bit, and she’s enjoying doing her best for Nigeria,” Busari said.
Defender Azeezat Oduntan added with a smile: “She was fantastic. I love her!”
Flamingoes Make Mexico Pay
Nigeria turned defensive brilliance into attacking reward. Esther Stephen’s long ball caused confusion in the Mexico defence in the 40th minute, allowing Oluebube Umejiaku to steal in and fire home the opener. Mary Dunstan doubled the advantage before Emily Delgado pulled one back late for Mexico.
The Flamingoes will now face Venezuela on Sunday in Rabat for a place in the semi-final – their first since India 2022.
