Nigeria edge Venezuela to reach FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals

Nigeria’s Flamingos reached the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after Azeezat Oduntan’s late penalty secured a 1-0 quarter-final win over Venezuela on Sunday.

The Nigerian captain converted from the spot in the 89th minute to settle a tightly contested match and extend the Flamingos’ impressive run in Morocco.

Nigeria began with attacking intent and created the clearer early openings, although Venezuela’s goalkeeper and captain, Valeria Rebanales, prevented them from taking the lead.

Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all registered efforts as Nigeria tested the Venezuelan defence. Oluebube Umejiaku also posed a threat during the opening stages, but the Flamingos could not find a way past Rebanales.

Venezuela remained in the contest and produced chances of their own, with Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui involved as both sides looked for the first goal.

Nigeria’s Favour Nkwocha was shown the only yellow card of the first half in the 24th minute. Despite the attacking efforts at both ends, the teams went into the interval level at 0-0.

The Flamingos continued to press after the restart, but Venezuela defended resolutely and restricted Nigeria’s opportunities in the final third.

As the quarter-final appeared to be heading towards extra time, Nigeria were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. Oduntan stepped up and converted to give the Flamingos the lead at the crucial stage of the match.

Venezuela were unable to respond before the final whistle, leaving Nigeria to celebrate a narrow victory and a place in the final four of the tournament.

Wale Adejumo

Photo credit: The Super Falcons Show