Flamingos Beat Venezuela 1-0 to Reach FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Semi-Finals

Posted : 03 November 2026

Nigeria's Flamingos have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela in their quarter-final encounter on Sunday, November 1.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. The spot kick was awarded after Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside the Venezuelan penalty area.

Oduntan showed composure under pressure, sending goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales in the opposite direction before calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner. Her late strike ended Venezuela's resistance and sent Nigeria into the last four.

The encounter was closely contested, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Nigeria enjoyed promising attacking moments but lacked the finishing touch needed to break the deadlock earlier.

Venezuela also entered the quarter-final with confidence after reaching the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. They had previously eliminated European champions Germany with an impressive victory in the round of 16.

However, Nigeria's defensive organisation and persistence eventually proved decisive as the Flamingos secured their place in the semi-finals.

The victory marks Nigeria's second appearance in the last four of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Their previous semi-final appearance came in 2022, when they eventually finished third after defeating Germany in the third-place playoff.

Nigeria's journey in Morocco has been marked by a remarkable recovery following a disappointing start to the competition. The Flamingos lost their opening group match against Poland but responded with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea.

Their 3-1 victory over North Korea was particularly significant, as it ended the defending champions' long unbeaten run in normal time at the tournament and strengthened Nigeria's qualification hopes.

The Nigerian youngsters carried that momentum into the knockout rounds, defeating Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before overcoming Venezuela in the quarter-finals.

Head coach Akeem Busari will now turn his attention to the semi-final encounter against Brazil on Wednesday, November 4.

Brazil secured their place in the last four after defeating China 2-1 in their quarter-final match. The South Americans have also demonstrated resilience throughout the competition, making the upcoming encounter a difficult test for Nigeria.

The Flamingos will be seeking their first appearance in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. A victory over Brazil would move them one step closer to winning their maiden world title and creating another milestone in Nigerian women's football.

Flamingos Beat Venezuela 1-0 to Reach FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Semi-Finals

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