Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Venezuela 1-0 in their quarter-final in Morocco, Footynaija reports.
A late penalty from Azeezat Oduntan settled a tight contest, with Nigeria scoring in the 89th minute to secure their place in the last four.
The Flamingos created several chances in the first half but could not find a way past Venezuela goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales. Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all threatened as Nigeria pushed for the opening goal.
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Rebanales made several saves to keep Venezuela in the game, and both teams went into half-time with the score at 0-0.
Nigeria continued to search for a goal after the break and won a penalty in the 88th minute. The Flamingos converted from the spot a minute later to take the lead at a crucial stage of the match.
Venezuela tried to find an equaliser during stoppage time, but Nigeria held on to claim victory and book their semi-final place.
The Flamingos will face Brazil for a place in the final after the South Americans beat China 2-1 in their quarter-final.
China went ahead through Wu Yichen in the 42nd minute, but Brazil responded almost immediately after the restart, with Helena Sampaio equalising in the 47th minute. Sampaio then scored again in the 87th minute to complete the comeback and send Brazil into the last four.
Nigeria must now prepare for a meeting with Brazil as they seek to reach the final of the tournament for the first time in history.
