FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos sink Venezuela with late penalty to reach semi-finals

Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Venezuela in their quarter-final clash.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to send Nigeria into the last four for the second time in the competition’s history.

The victory also extended the Flamingos‘ winning run in Morocco to four matches following their opening-day defeat to Poland.

Nigeria will now face Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final as they seek to reach the final of the tournament for the first time.

Flamingos find late breakthrough against Venezuela

The Flamingos dominated much of the attacking play but struggled to find a way past a determined Venezuelan defence.

Mary Dunstan, Tosin Rafiu and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all threatened Nigeria’s opponents, but their efforts were kept out by Venezuela captain and goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales, who produced several important saves.

With the match seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough two minutes before the end of normal time.

Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku won a penalty after being fouled inside the box. Following a review, the referee upheld the decision, allowing Oduntan to step forward and calmly convert from the spot in the 88th minute.

Venezuela pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria held firm to protect their advantage and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Favour Nkwocha was named Player of the Match for her performance.

Flamingos reach semi-finals for second time

The result marks the second time Nigeria have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having previously achieved the feat in 2022, when they finished third and claimed the bronze medal in India.

After losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland, the Flamingos responded with victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions Korea DPR, Mexico and Venezuela to secure their place in the final four.

Nigeria are also the only African team remaining in the competition following Ghana‘s quarter-final defeat to Japan.

The victory gives the Flamingos an opportunity to reach the final for the first time, but they must first overcome Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

The post FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos sink Venezuela with late penalty to reach semi-finals appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.