FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup:Flamingos face Venezuela test for semi-final spot

Nigeria’s Flamingos will face Venezuela on Sunday, November 1, with a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco at stake.

The quarter-final encounter is scheduled for 7:00 pm Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 4, in Rabat, as Nigeria seek to move a step closer to their ambition of winning the tournament.

The Flamingos head into the contest on the back of three consecutive victories against Puerto Rico, Korea DPR and Mexico, boosting their confidence ahead of the decisive encounter.

Head coach Akeem Busari has urged his players to remain disciplined, organised and clinical as they prepare to overcome the South Americans and secure a place in the last four.

Busari warns Flamingos against underestimating Venezuela

Despite their impressive run of results, Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has cautioned his players against underestimating Venezuela, describing them as a dangerous and physical opponent following their elimination of Germany in the previous round.

“What I normally say is that every team in the competition is a contender; everyone could be a champion. Venezuela won their game (against Germany), so they are a good side,” he said.

“But Nigeria are too, so on the day it’ll be decided over 90 minutes, and we’ll all give our best,” he added.

Venezuela’s victory over Germany has underlined the threat they pose, with Busari expecting a competitive encounter as both sides battle for a semi-final ticket.

Flamingos count on attacking strength and Ijirigho

The Flamingos will look to their attacking options, including captain Chidi Harmony, Oluebube Umejiaku, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Mary Dunstan, to provide the goals needed to overcome Venezuela.

At the other end, goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s quarter-final challenge.

The 1.92m-tall shot-stopper has been an important presence in the Flamingos’ defence, with her performances helping the team navigate the competition.

Speaking about the team’s ambition, Ijirigho expressed confidence in their ability to progress further, insisting that the players are determined to remain in the competition until the final.

Nigeria vs Venezuela: Tournament head-to-head

Sunday’s encounter will be the first meeting between Nigeria and Venezuela at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos have scored eight goals and conceded four in their four matches so far, while Venezuela have netted four and conceded six across their group-stage and Round of 16 fixtures.

Venezuela have taken an unpredictable route to the quarter-finals, losing two of their three group-stage matches against France and Japan before advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, they produced one of the biggest surprises of the Round of 16 by defeating tournament favourites Germany to book their place in the last eight.

For Nigeria, victory would secure a return to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2022 edition, when they went on to claim the bronze medal.

The winner of Sunday’s quarter-final will face either China PR or Brazil in the semi-finals.

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