Only the free-scoring Samba Girls of Brazil stand between the Flamingos and a place in a first-ever U17 Women’s World Cup final.
Wednesday night in Rabat, Nigeria will have a chance to slug it out with the South Americans, while the other semifinal will be an all-Asian contest between Japan and defending champions North Korea.
Both Nigeria and Brazil left it late before they progressed to the last-four.
Skipper Azezat Oduntan put away a penalty a minute to fulltime before the Flamingos could see off a spirited Venezuela, while Brazil were stretched by China before they eventually triumphed 2-1.
Coach Akeem Busari has praised the character and resilience of the Nigerian girls after they lost their first game under his watch to Poland in their opening game at this World Cup.
They have since racked up four straight wins including an eye-popping 3-0 win over defending world champions North Korea.
Nigeria have featured in all eight U17 World Cups with their best-ever performance being a third-place finish in 2022.
They have what it takes to improve on this outing going by the quality of the talent they have paraded in Morocco.
Sixteen-year-old striker Kemi Adegbuyi is certainly destined for greatness after what she has already achieved at the WAFU B CAF Champions League qualifiers as well as the NWFL.
She makes up for her lack of size with her mastery of the ball and quickness.
The stocky Oluebube Umiajiaku is the team’s leading scorer with three goals and like Adegbuyi she has already proved her mettle internationally at WAFU Champions League qualifying tournament.
She has used her power and balance to great effect in Morocco.
The girls have further been boosted with the return of five players, who featured at the recent U20 World Cup in Poland – goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho, Tosin Rafiu, Precious Oscar, Queen Joseph and Favour Nkwocha.
These players are the future of the Super falcons and their emergence could not have come at a more apt time than now when the 10-time Africans desperately need young players and new energy.
Will it be a rematch between the Flamingos and defending champions North Korea in the World Cup final Saturday?
