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.

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Nigeria’s Flamingos will face Venezuela on Sunday, November 1, with a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco at stake.

The quarter-final encounter is scheduled for 7:00 pm Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 4, in Rabat, as Nigeria seek to move a step closer to their ambition of winning the tournament.

The Flamingos head into the contest on the back of three consecutive victories against Puerto Rico, Korea DPR and Mexico, boosting their confidence ahead of the decisive encounter.

Head coach Akeem Busari has urged his players to remain disciplined, organised and clinical as they prepare to overcome the South Americans and secure a place in the last four.

Busari warns Flamingos against underestimating Venezuela

Despite their impressive run of results, Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has cautioned his players against underestimating Venezuela, describing them as a dangerous and physical opponent following their elimination of Germany in the previous round.

“What I normally say is that every team in the competition is a contender; everyone could be a champion. Venezuela won their game (against Germany), so they are a good side,” he said.

“But Nigeria are too, so on the day it’ll be decided over 90 minutes, and we’ll all give our best,” he added.

Venezuela’s victory over Germany has underlined the threat they pose, with Busari expecting a competitive encounter as both sides battle for a semi-final ticket.

Flamingos count on attacking strength and Ijirigho

The Flamingos will look to their attacking options, including captain Chidi Harmony, Oluebube Umejiaku, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Mary Dunstan, to provide the goals needed to overcome Venezuela.

At the other end, goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s quarter-final challenge.

The 1.92m-tall shot-stopper has been an important presence in the Flamingos’ defence, with her performances helping the team navigate the competition.

Speaking about the team’s ambition, Ijirigho expressed confidence in their ability to progress further, insisting that the players are determined to remain in the competition until the final.

Nigeria vs Venezuela: Tournament head-to-head

Sunday’s encounter will be the first meeting between Nigeria and Venezuela at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos have scored eight goals and conceded four in their four matches so far, while Venezuela have netted four and conceded six across their group-stage and Round of 16 fixtures.

Venezuela have taken an unpredictable route to the quarter-finals, losing two of their three group-stage matches against France and Japan before advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, they produced one of the biggest surprises of the Round of 16 by defeating tournament favourites Germany to book their place in the last eight.

For Nigeria, victory would secure a return to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2022 edition, when they went on to claim the bronze medal.

The winner of Sunday’s quarter-final will face either China PR or Brazil in the semi-finals.

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Nigeria‘s Flamingos have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Mexico 2-1 in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday.

Goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan secured the victory for Nigeria, who will face Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Sunday, November 1.

Flamingos overcome Mexico to reach last eight

The Flamingos continued their impressive attacking display as they overcame Mexico to book their place in the last eight of the competition.

Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when forward Umejiaku found the back of the net after the Mexicans had resisted several attacking attempts.

The goal gave the Flamingos a deserved lead heading into the second half, with Nigeria continuing to push for another goal.

Dunstan doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 70th minute with a crucial finish, putting the Flamingos in a strong position to seal qualification.

Mexico’s Emily Delgado pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but her effort proved insufficient as Nigeria held on to secure a 2-1 victory.

Umejiaku was named Player of the Match following her decisive contribution to Nigeria’s triumph.

maintaining momentum after opening defeat

The Flamingos have bounced back strongly after losing their opening match against Poland, recording three consecutive victories to advance to the quarter-finals.

Nigeria responded to the defeat with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Their victory over Mexico extended their winning run to three matches and strengthened their hopes of making a deep run in the tournament.

The Flamingos will now turn their attention to Venezuela, who secured their quarter-final ticket with a 1-0 victory over Germany in their Round of 16 fixture.

Nigeria will be aiming to match or surpass their best-ever finish at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as they prepare for Sunday’s quarter-final clash.

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