Flamingos set up semifinal clash with Brazil at 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos will face Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0, courtesy of Azeezat Oduntan’s late penalty on Sunday.

Brazil also booked their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over China in their quarter-final encounter.

The Flamingos, coached by Hakeem Busari, have now recorded four consecutive victories after losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening group match.

Nigeria bounced back from that defeat with wins over Puerto Rico (2-0), defending champions Korea DPR (3-1), Mexico (2-1) and Venezuela (1-0) to reach the semi-finals for the second time, having previously achieved the feat in 2022.

Brazil, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the tournament and have recorded four victories, including a penalty shootout success over Poland in the round of 16 following a 3-3 draw.

The South Americans began their campaign with a 6-2 victory over Canada before playing out a 3-3 draw with Ghana, the only match in which they failed to secure a win.

They subsequently defeated Norway 3-0, overcame Poland 8-7 on penalties after their round-of-16 draw and edged China 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria and Brazil have met twice at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Their first encounter in 2008 ended in a 2-2 draw, while Brazil claimed a 1-0 victory when the teams met again in 2016.

The upcoming semi-final will provide the Flamingos with another opportunity to make history as they seek a place in the tournament’s final.