The Flamingos head coach says every team left at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup can win the title, as Nigeria prepare to face Venezuela in Rabat on Sunday.
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Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has warned his players not to underestimate Venezuela when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday. The winner will earn a place in the semi-finals.
The match is set for Mohammed VI Football Complex Pitch 4 in Rabat, with kick-off at 7 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nigeria reached the last eight by edging Mexico 2-1 in Thursday’s Round of 16 tie. Venezuela pulled off a major upset by beating tournament favourites Germany 1-0.
Busari knows the result will not make his job any easier. Fans following the women’s game can also read Bet9ja bonus code explained before the weekend.
Busari Wary of Venezuela
Despite Venezuela’s win over Germany, Busari says every team still in the competition has the quality to go all the way. He told FIFA: “Every team in the competition is a contender; everyone could be a champion.”
He also showed respect for Venezuela’s result. In his view, beating a team of Germany’s standing proves they are a good side.
But he believes Nigeria are just as good. The tie, he said, will be decided over 90 minutes, and both teams will give their best.
Does that sound like a coach guarding against complacency? It should, because Venezuela have just shown they can beat anyone. Readers can check this Bet9ja code rundown before kick-off.
History on Both Sides
Venezuela have been here before. They finished fourth at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and again in 2016.
Nigeria also have pedigree. The Flamingos won bronze in 2022, beating Germany 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the third place game.
The two nations have also met at youth level before. Nigeria’s Falconets beat Venezuela 4-0 at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2024.
Will history help Nigeria? It might help with confidence, but it will not score goals. Readers who follow Nigerian football can also claim YOHAIG offer for new users before the next round.
A semi-final place is on the line. The Flamingos will want to avoid the slip-up that Germany suffered.
Busari’s message is clear: respect Venezuela, trust the group and play the full 90 minutes. The Flamingos have momentum, but they know the job is not done.
📌 Did You Know?
- Venezuela lost the 2014 third-place match to Italy on penalties, after a 4-4 draw.
- Venezuela lost 4-0 to Spain in the 2016 third-place match.
- Nigeria lost 3-0 to Spain in the 2014 quarter-final.
- The 2022 tournament, where Nigeria won bronze, was played in India.
- Last year’s third-place match, between Mexico and Brazil, was played at the Olympic Stadium of Rabat.
