U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Face Brazil in Historic Semi-Final Showdown

Nigeria’s Flamingos will be aiming to reach the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final for the first time when they take on Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.

The Nigerian side secured their place in the last four with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday, thanks to an 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan.

The penalty was awarded after Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled inside the box, allowing Nigeria to seal a dramatic victory and book their second semi-final appearance in the competition’s history.

The Flamingos previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, when they eventually claimed the bronze medal at the tournament in India.

Coach Akeem Busari’s side will now face a Brazilian team that also had to battle its way into the last four after overcoming China 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Brazil had earlier survived a dramatic round-of-16 encounter against Poland, which ended 3-3 before the South Americans secured an 8-7 victory in the penalty shootout.

The Brazilian team has also demonstrated attacking depth throughout the competition, with nine different players getting on the scoresheet. Greise Kelly currently leads their scoring chart with three goals.

Brazil coach Rilany Silva expects a difficult encounter against Nigeria, describing the Flamingos as a physically strong team.

“By the 90th minute, they’ll probably still be running as if it were the fifth,” Silva said, highlighting the intensity and stamina she expects from the Nigerian players.

Busari, meanwhile, has urged his team to maintain their determination and deliver another strong performance as they pursue a historic place in the final.

“We want to give our best in the next match and show everyone what we can do,” the Nigerian coach said after the victory over Venezuela.

The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco.

Kick-off is set for 6pm local time in Morocco, corresponding to 7pm Nigerian time.