A big question on the lips of female football followers across the world is whether Nigeria’s under-17 squad, the Flamingos, are good enough to stop Venezuela from picking a third semi-final spot at the Cadet Mundial, Sports247 reports.
The question arises from a very uncanny feat of back-to-back semi-finals spots enacted by The Power Puff Girls at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and 2016, with eyes now on a treble when they face Nigeria during this year’s quarter-finals on Sunday.
Ordinarily, Venezuela would have been considered minnows at any level of world football, but their 1-0 win over Germany in one of this year’s round of 16 fixtures proved that their semi-final feats of 2014 and 2016 were not flashes in the pan, thereby making them a potent threat on Sunday.
That victory over Germany must, therefore, serve as a strong warning for Nigeria, whose best run in this competition remains a third place finish that was achieved at India 2022 under the guidance of their previous coach, Bankole Olowookere.
However, while both countries flaunt huge credentials ahead of their quarter-finals clash on Sunday, a short yet poignant preview by fifa.com noted that Venezuela lost their first two games of this year’s competition and only qualified for the round of 16 as a third placed best loser.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s squad has continued improving with each passing fixture – having beaten Puerto Rico 2-0, Korea DPR 3-1 and Mexico 2-1, after an opening 2-1 loss to Poland – which could be a crucial decisive factor when current form comes into play during Sunday’s cracker.
“After an opening-day defeat to Poland, Nigeria had their work cut out to advance from Group B. A 2-0 win over Puerto Rico got their campaign back on track, before their aforementioned triumph versus DPR Korea. Akeem Busari’s side then claimed a well-earned victory over Mexico to see up this last-eight tussle.
“Venezuela have also claimed a shock result at these finals, following up a group stage in which they took just three points with a 1-0 reverse of Germany last time out. Another win here will secure La Vinotinto a third semi-final (appearance),” the preview by fifa.com noted.
Sports247 reports further that the Flamingos’ coach is already marshaling what he believes should be the right tactucs that would ensure his side emerges victorious from Sunday’s encounter, which is scheduled to commence at 7pm Nigeria time.
