Akeem Busari’s side are one win from a maiden final, and both Nigeria and Brazil are chasing a first appearance in the title match when they meet in Morocco tonight.
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Nigeria’s Flamingos are one victory away from reaching the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time. Standing in their way is a strong Brazil side, and the semi-final in Morocco kicks off tonight, Wednesday, November 4, at 7pm Nigerian time.
The stakes are the same for both teams. Neither country has ever played in a final of this tournament, although both have reached the last four before. A win would guarantee at least a silver medal, and Nigeria’s best finish so far is third place at the 2022 edition in India.
The road to the semi-final was far from smooth. The Flamingos lost their opening game 2-1 to Poland, leaving little room for error in a tough group.
They responded in style. A 2-0 win over Puerto Rico was followed by a 3-1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR, and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi scored in both games. Nigeria then beat Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16.
The quarter-final against Venezuela was tense, and extra time looked likely. Then captain Azeezat Oduntan held her nerve and scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, after top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled in the box.
Brazil’s Threat
Brazil are unbeaten and beat China 2-1 in their quarter-final. Their main danger is Greise Kelly, who has three goals and five assists in Morocco, so the Flamingos’ defenders will have a busy night. Fans following Nigeria’s young stars can check the Bet9ja promotion for football fans before kick-off.
The history between the sides favours Brazil slightly. They have met twice at this tournament, with one Brazilian win and one draw, and their first meeting ended 2-2 on November 5, 2008.
Nigeria will lean on goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho again. Her saves in the knockout rounds helped keep the Flamingos in contention at key moments.
Head coach Busari has kept his message simple. He described reaching the semi-finals as a dream come true, and he said he wants to make his country proud. Readers who like to learn how offers work can read about the Bet9ja bonus code explained while they wait for kick-off.
What Is At Stake
The other semi-final pits Korea DPR against Japan, and the tournament ends on November 7.
For Nigeria, a place in the final would be a landmark for women’s youth football. The Flamingos have qualified for nine of the ten editions of the tournament, yet they have never played for the trophy.
Whatever happens in Rabat tonight, this squad has already shown strong character by recovering from the loss to Poland. New Bet9ja users can look at the YOHAIG Bet9ja offer as they follow the match.
📌 Did You Know?
- The Flamingos have qualified for nine of the ten editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
- Nigeria and Brazil first met at this tournament on November 5, 2008, and drew 2-2.
- Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India remains their best result.
- Oluwakemi Adegbuyi scored in the group wins over Puerto Rico and Korea DPR.
- Brazil reached the semi-finals by beating China 2-1, while Korea DPR and Japan play the other semi-final.
