Flamingos face Brazil test for historic final place

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

The Nigerian side booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday, with captain Azeezat Oduntan converting an 89th-minute penalty after Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled in the box.

The victory took Nigeria into the semi-finals for only the second time in the competition’s history. They previously reached the stage in 2022, when they went on to claim bronze in India.

Coach Akeem Busari’s side will now face a Brazilian team that also had to fight for its place in the last four, coming from behind to defeat China 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Brazil had earlier needed a penalty shootout to eliminate Poland in the round of 16 after a thrilling 3-3 draw, eventually winning 8-7 on penalties.

The South Americans have also enjoyed contributions from across their squad, with nine different players finding the net at the tournament. Greise Kelly leads their scoring chart with three goals.

• Venezuela coach blames inexperience for Nigeria defeat
• Busari lauds flamingos’ resilience after Venezuela win
• U-17 Women’s W’Cup: Flamingos battle Venezuela for semi-final spot

Brazil coach Rilany Silva expects a demanding encounter and described Nigeria as a physically strong side.

“By the 90th minute, they’ll probably still be running as if it were the fifth,” she said, underlining the physical challenge she expects from the Flamingos.

Busari has also urged his players to maintain their determination in the semi-final, saying after the victory over Venezuela.

“We want to give our best in the next match and show everyone what we can do.”

The semi-final tie is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco, with kick off set for 6pm Morocco time (7pm in Nigeria).

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.