Venezuela coach blames inexperience for Nigeria defeat

Venezuela head coach Dayana Frías

Venezuela head coach Dayana Frías has said her team paid for their inexperience after losing 1-0 to Nigeria’s Flamingos in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Frías spoke to FIFA.com on Sunday night after the South Americans were knocked out in Morocco.

“It was a good performance overall, but I think we made one mistake and paid for it. As for the experience, it has been really beautiful and rewarding,” she said.

Venezuela were outplayed for most of the game but defended resolutely, and the match appeared headed for a penalty shoot-out.

Late on, however, defender Migleydys Bolsegui was adjudged to have fouled Oluebube Umejiaku in the box. Azeezat Oduntan converted the penalty to send Nigeria into the semi-finals.

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Frías took heart from her players’ growth and noted that seven of them remain eligible next year.

“I am happy to see how much they have grown and how they have developed as footballers throughout the tournament. We also have seven players who are eligible to play again next year, so I think they are ready to come back and keep growing,” she said.

Venezuela had reached the last eight by beating Germany 1-0 in the round of 16, while Nigeria edged Mexico 2-1 in theirs.

The Flamingos, coached by Akeem Busari, will face either Brazil in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

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