The National Sports Commission (NSC) has assured players of the Flamingos that Nigerians are fully behind them following their qualification to the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Morocco.
Reacting to the hard fought 1-0 win against Venezuela in Sunday’s quarterfinal clash the NSC, in a statement, wrote:”Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela.
“Captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to secure the decisive goal after Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside the penalty area at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.
“The victory marks Nigeria’s fourth win in the competition, setting a new national record for the most victories by the country in a single edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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“The Flamingos will now face Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final as they continue their pursuit of a historic place in the final.
“Congratulations to the players and technical crew. Nigeria stands behind you.”
This is the second time the Flamingos will reach the semifinals of the U-17 World Cup after first achieving it in 2022 in India.
At the 2022 tournament the Flamingos finished third after edging out Germany on penalty shootout after regulation time ended 3-3.
Meanwhile, the Flamingos are the only African team left in the competition after Ghana lost 1-0 to Japan in Sunday’s quarterfinal.
By James Agberebi
