Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Venezuela in their quarter-final encounter in Morocco.
Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to send Nigeria into the last four of the competition.
The breakthrough came after forward Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled inside the Venezuelan penalty area. Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty, which Oduntan calmly converted.
The encounter had remained goalless for most of the match, with both teams producing determined defensive performances.
Nigeria created several opportunities in the first half but struggled to beat Venezuela’s goalkeeper and captain, Valeria Rebanales.
Tosin Rafiu came close to opening the scoring in the 19th minute, but her effort was tipped over the crossbar by Rebanales.
Mary Dunstan also threatened in the 35th minute, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi had an opportunity before the half-time break.
Venezuela equally tested Nigeria’s defence through Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui, but the Flamingos maintained their organisation at the back.
The Nigerian side eventually found the winning goal in the closing stages to end Venezuela’s challenge and secure a place in the semi-finals.
The victory marks Nigeria’s return to the last four for the first time since the team finished third at the 2022 edition of the competition in India.
The Flamingos had earlier recovered from a 2–1 opening defeat to Poland with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea to progress from their group.
They subsequently defeated Mexico 2–1 in the Round of 16 before overcoming Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will now face Brazil in the semi-final on Wednesday, November 4, with a place in the final at stake.
The Flamingos will be seeking to reach their first-ever final and continue their pursuit of a maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.