Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Venezuela in their quarter-final match.
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Team captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to send the West Africans into the last four.
Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku won the critical late spot-kick after being brought down inside the area by Venezuela’s defense. Oduntan held her nerve to break the deadlock past Venezuelan goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales.
Venezuela pressed for an equalizer during eight minutes of added time, with Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo forcing late saves, but Nigeria’s defense held firm under pressure. Midfielder Favour Nkwocha was named Player of the Match for her dominant performance in central midfield.
The victory marks Nigeria’s fourth win in regular time at Morocco 2026—a new single-tournament record for the country at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. After an opening 2–1 loss to Poland, the Flamingos rebounded with successive wins over Puerto Rico (2–0), defending champions North Korea (3–1), Mexico (2–1), and Venezuela (1–0).
Head coach Hakeem Busari’s side will face South American powerhouse Brazil in the semi-finals on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat (7:00 PM Nigerian Time). Brazil booked their spot in the last four following a 2–1 victory over China.
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