Nigeria U-17 women’s team head coach Akeem Busari has warned the Flamingos against underestimating Venezuela ahead of their quarter-final clash at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The two sides will meet on Sunday, November 1, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Nigeria secured their quarter-final ticket with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in Thursday’s Round of 16 encounter, while Venezuela advanced after recording a 1-0 win over Germany.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Busari acknowledged Venezuela’s quality and stressed that every team remaining in the competition had the ability to win the tournament.
“What I normally say is that every team in the competition is a contender; everyone could be a champion. Venezuela won their game [against Germany], so they are a good side.
“But Nigeria are too, so on the day it’ll be decided over 90 minutes, and we’ll all give our best,” he told FIFA.
The Flamingos will be aiming to maintain their momentum after overcoming Mexico, with Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scoring Nigeria’s goals in that encounter.
Venezuela, meanwhile, will pose another test for Busari’s side after eliminating one of the tournament’s pre-competition favourites, Germany.
The quarter-final is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm Nigerian time on Sunday at Pitch 4 of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco.
