Tomorrow night, Nigeria’s Flamingos, who are gunning for their second World Cup semifinal, will square up against the Power Puff Girls from Venezuela, who are seeking their third semifinal in the tournament.
Since a shock 2-1 opening day loss to Poland, the Flamingos have been dancing for joy in Morocco after they won their next three games including a 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea.
The firepower has been delivered by Oluebube Umejiaku, who has three goals, and Kemi Adegbuyi, who has thus far netted twice.
Nigeria have been ever-present at the eight U17 World Cups with their best outing being a third-place finish in 2022, while they reached the quarterfinals four times – 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2024.
Venezuela, on the other hand, fell at the third-place final in 2014 and 2016.
In Morocco 2026, Nigeria have scored eight goals and let in four, while Venezuela have let in six goals and scored four goals in four matches.
Three of the South Americans’ four goals were scored in a 3-2 victory over Zambia in the group stage.
They only advanced from the first round as one of the best third-placed teams after they lost 2-0 to both Japan and France.
Key player will be goalkeeper Valeria Rebaneles, who was sent off against Zambia only to come back against Germany in the Round of 16 to help them record a shock 1-0 victory that has now set up this Sunday night Showdown.
Kick-off tomorrow night is 7pm in Nigeria.
