Nigeria’s 17-Year-Old Midfielder Wins Player of the Match Award After Helping Nigeria Beat Venezuela

According to a report by FIFA.com on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Nigeria’s 17-year-old midfielder Favour Chiamaka Nkwocha has won the Player of the Match award after helping Nigeria beat Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Sunday.

The FC Robo Queens midfielder was handed a starting role by head coach Akeem Busari and featured in the encounter as Nigeria secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition for the second time.

Nkwocha, born on April 27, 2009, is one of the promising young talents in Nigerian women’s football.

The midfielder plays for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), where she continues to develop her football career.

The youngster was part of Nigeria’s midfield against Venezuela, helping the Flamingos maintain their competitive edge in a closely contested encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when captain Azeezat Oduntan converted a penalty to secure a crucial victory for the West African side.

The result booked Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face Brazil on Wednesday, November 4, with a place in the final at stake.

For Nkwocha, the individual recognition would represent another significant milestone in her development, having continued to gain valuable international experience with Nigeria’s U-17 side.

Her involvement in the Flamingos’ impressive campaign further highlights the growing contribution of home-based players to Nigeria’s youth national teams.

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