Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s team, Flamingos, has continued their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter on Sunday.
Victory means this is only the second time in history that Nigeria has reached the last four of the global women’s cadet competition with a tantalizing semi-final showdown against Brazil on Wednesday.
Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to secure victory for the Nigerian side and send the West Africans into the semi-finals.
The Flamingos had pushed for a breakthrough throughout the match, with Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Tosin Rafiu, and Oluebube Umejiaku among those who attempted to find the net.
Venezuela also created opportunities, particularly in the closing stages, but Nigeria held on despite late efforts from Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo.
The match ended after eight minutes of added time, with the Flamingos protecting their narrow lead to book a place in the last four.
The victory extends Nigeria’s recovery from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland. The team subsequently beat Puerto Rico 2-0, defending champions North Korea 3-1, and Mexico 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals.
Nigeria’s semi-final opponents are Brazil, who came from behind to beat China PR 2-1. Wu Yichen put China ahead in the 42nd minute with a drive into the top corner. Brazil leveled 42 seconds into the second half through Helena, who struck again in the 87th minute from a Greise Kelly cross to win it. Helena was Player of the Match.
The Flamingos will face Brazil in the semi-finals on Wednesday, November 4, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Brazil booked their place in the last four with a 2-1 comeback victory over China in their quarter-final encounter.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
