Favour Nkwocha Wins Player of the Match as Flamingos Reach U-17 World Cup Semi-Finals

Posted : 02 November 2026

Nigeria's U-17 women's national team midfielder, Favour Nkwocha, has been named Player of the Match following the Flamingos' 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

The FC Robo Queens midfielder received the individual recognition after an impressive display in Sunday's encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. Her contribution helped Nigeria overcome a determined Venezuelan side and secure a place in the competition's last four.

The quarter-final contest was closely fought, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough. Nigeria created several opportunities but faced strong resistance from Venezuela's defence and goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales, who produced important saves to keep her team in the contest.

The Flamingos continued pushing for an opening goal after the break. However, Venezuela maintained its defensive organisation, forcing the Nigerian youngsters to wait until the closing stages for the decisive moment.

The breakthrough arrived in the 89th minute when captain Azeezat Oduntan converted a penalty to give Nigeria the lead. The spot-kick was awarded after leading scorer Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside the Venezuelan penalty area.

The referee initially awarded the penalty before reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor. Following the VAR assessment, the decision stood, allowing Oduntan to step forward and calmly convert from the spot.

Venezuela attempted to find an equaliser during the closing minutes, but Nigeria maintained its advantage to secure a crucial victory.

Nkwocha's Player of the Match award represents another individual milestone for the young midfielder as the Flamingos continue their impressive campaign in Morocco. The recognition also highlights the importance of Nigeria's home-based talents in the national team's international development.

The victory marks the second time Nigeria have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Their previous appearance came in 2022 in India, where the Flamingos finished third to claim the bronze medal.

Head coach Akeem Busari's team will now face Brazil in Wednesday's semi-final, scheduled for November 4 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Brazil secured their place in the last four after overcoming China 2-1 in their quarter-final encounter.

The upcoming meeting presents Nigeria with an opportunity to reach the final for the first time in the competition's history. The Flamingos will also be looking to maintain their momentum as they pursue their maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.

The other semi-final will feature Japan against defending champions North Korea, setting up an all-Asian contest for the remaining place in the final.

Favour Nkwocha Wins Player of the Match as Flamingos Reach U-17 World Cup Semi-Finals

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