Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Venezuela 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter in Morocco on Sunday.
Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, ending Venezuela’s resistance and securing Nigeria’s second-ever semi-final appearance in the competition.
The closely contested match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, where Nigeria dominated periods of play but struggled to find a breakthrough.
The victory also gave Nigeria four regulation-time wins at the tournament, setting a new national record for the most victories in a single edition.
Oduntan’s Late Penalty Breaks Venezuela’s Resistance
The Flamingos approached the quarter-final with confidence after victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions DPR Korea and Mexico.
Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi were among the Nigerian players who tested Venezuela’s defence. Oluebube Umejiaku also threatened as Nigeria searched for an early goal.
However, Venezuela goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales helped her team maintain a disciplined defensive shape.
The South Americans also created opportunities through Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui as both sides sought control.
Nigeria’s Favour Nkwocha received the first-half’s only yellow card in the 24th minute. Neither team managed to score before the interval.
The Flamingos continued pushing after the restart, but Venezuela remained difficult to break down.
With extra time approaching, Oduntan converted a penalty in the 89th minute to give Nigeria the lead.
The late strike proved decisive as the Nigerian youngsters held on to secure their semi-final place.
Flamingos Recover From Opening-Day Defeat
Nigeria’s qualification represents an impressive recovery after the team began its campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in Group B.
Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a 33rd-minute penalty before Natalia Skrok doubled Poland’s advantage in the 65th minute.
Oluebube Umejiaku reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser.
Coach Hakeem Busari’s team responded with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 25th minute after receiving an assist from Queen Joseph. Substitute Precious Oscar sealed the victory in stoppage time following a pass from Umejiaku.
The Flamingos then defeated two-time defending champions DPR Korea 3-1.
Adegbuyi scored in the 15th minute, while Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute. Kanyinsola Yusuf added a third in the 56th minute.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang converted a late penalty in the 82nd minute, but Nigeria secured the victory.
The result ended DPR Korea’s 18-match unbeaten run in the competition and confirmed Nigeria’s progression from the group stage.
Nigeria subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16.
Umejiaku opened the scoring in the 40th minute before Mary Dunstan extended the lead in the 71st minute. Emily Delgado scored a late consolation for Mexico in added time.
The victory over Venezuela has now given Nigeria four consecutive wins following their opening defeat.
Venezuela Exit After Eliminating Germany
Venezuela entered the quarter-final after producing one of the knockout stage’s biggest surprises by eliminating Germany.
The South Americans finished third in Group D with three points from three matches.
They lost 2-0 to France, defeated Zambia 3-2 and suffered another 2-0 defeat against Japan.
However, Venezuela defeated Germany 1-0 in the round of 16, with Diana Bravo scoring in the fifth minute.
Germany had entered the knockout stage with a perfect group-stage record, making Venezuela’s victory a significant achievement.
Venezuela had hoped to reach the semi-finals for the third time in their history after finishing fourth in the 2014 edition.
However, Oduntan’s late penalty ended their campaign in Morocco.
Flamingos To Face Brazil In Semi-Finals
Nigeria will face Brazil in the semi-finals after the South Americans defeated China 2-1 in their quarter-final encounter on Sunday.
China took the lead through Wu Yichen in the 42nd minute, but Brazil equalised immediately after the restart.
Helena scored in the 46th minute following a move involving Greise Kelly before completing the comeback with her second goal in the 88th minute.
The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, and will offer Busari’s team another opportunity to move closer to the title.
Nigeria will seek to reach the final for the first time in the competition’s history.
The Flamingos previously reached the semi-finals in 2022 in India, where they eventually finished third.
Their four regulation-time victories in Morocco have already surpassed their previous best return at a single edition of the tournament.
Oduntan’s late intervention against Venezuela has kept Nigeria’s title hopes alive, but Brazil will present another major challenge in the race for a place in the final.
