Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Venezuela 1-0 in a dramatic quarter-final encounter in Salé, Morocco, with captain Azeezat Oduntan scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute.

The late breakthrough secured Nigeria’s progression into the last four, where the Flamingos will face Brazil for a place in the tournament final.

The victory came after a closely contested encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, where Nigeria controlled possession and created several opportunities but struggled to find a way past Venezuela’s organised defence for much of the match.

Azeezat Oduntan’s Late Goal Sends Nigeria Into the Semi-Finals

With the quarter-final approaching its final minutes and the possibility of a penalty shootout looming, captain Azeezat Oduntan delivered the decisive moment for Nigeria.

The Flamingos finally broke through Venezuela’s defensive resistance in the 89th minute when Oduntan found the back of the net from inside the box.

Her late strike proved enough to settle the contest, giving Nigeria a crucial 1-0 victory and confirming the team’s place in the semi-finals.

The goal was particularly important after the Flamingos had spent much of the encounter searching for a breakthrough against a Venezuelan side that had defended resolutely.

Oduntan’s contribution ultimately separated the two teams and kept Nigeria’s hopes of winning the competition alive.

Flamingos Start Strongly as Nigeria Search for an Early Breakthrough

Nigeria began the quarter-final with attacking intent, looking to establish control and put Venezuela under pressure.

Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluebube Umejiaku were among the players leading the Flamingos’ attacking efforts as they attempted to create openings in the Venezuelan defence.

The Nigerian side showed positive attacking movement during the opening stages, with Rafiu coming particularly close to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute.

Her powerful effort appeared dangerous, but Venezuelan goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales produced an important save to deny the Nigerian attacker.

Despite Nigeria’s attacking pressure, Venezuela remained organised defensively and managed to prevent the Flamingos from turning their opportunities into goals.

Venezuela Resist Nigeria’s Pressure Before Half-Time

Although Nigeria continued to enjoy attacking possession, Venezuela offered little attacking threat during the first half and relied mainly on counter-attacks.

Their defensive organisation made it difficult for the Flamingos to find clear openings, forcing Nigeria to continue searching for ways through the opposition’s defensive structure.

The Nigerian team created opportunities but could not find the breakthrough before the interval.

As a result, both sides went into half-time with the score still goalless, leaving the quarter-final finely balanced.

Nigeria Maintain Pressure After the Restart

The Flamingos continued their search for a winning goal after the restart, maintaining their attacking approach as they attempted to overcome Venezuela’s defensive resistance.

However, despite their efforts and possession advantage, Nigeria continued to struggle to turn their attacking opportunities into a goal.

Venezuela remained difficult to break down, keeping the contest alive as the match moved towards its closing stages.

With neither side able to find the net during the regulation period until the final minutes, the possibility of a penalty shootout became increasingly apparent.

That situation changed in the 89th minute when Oduntan produced the decisive finish that sent Nigeria through.

Victory Sends Nigeria Into the Last Four of the Competition

The 1-0 victory over Venezuela confirms the Flamingos’ qualification for the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Reaching the final four represents an important step in Nigeria’s campaign, keeping the team’s hopes of progressing to the final and competing for the trophy alive.

The result also reflects the importance of maintaining pressure throughout a knockout match, particularly when facing an opponent that is difficult to break down.

For Nigeria, Oduntan’s late goal made the difference in a contest where the team had created opportunities but needed a decisive moment to secure qualification.

Brazil Await the Flamingos in the Semi-Finals

Following their victory over Venezuela, Nigeria will now turn their attention to a semi-final meeting with Brazil.

The upcoming encounter will offer the Flamingos an opportunity to move one step closer to the tournament final, but they will need another strong performance to overcome their next opponent.

After securing qualification through a late winning goal against Venezuela, the Nigerian side will approach the semi-final with renewed confidence as their pursuit of the U-17 Women’s World Cup title continues.

With a place in the final at stake, the meeting with Brazil represents the next major challenge in Nigeria’s campaign.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. Did Nigeria’s Flamingos qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals?

Yes. Nigeria defeated Venezuela 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter to secure a place in the semi-finals.

2. What was the score between Nigeria and Venezuela?

The Flamingos defeated Venezuela 1-0, with captain Azeezat Oduntan scoring the only goal of the match.

3. Who scored Nigeria’s winning goal against Venezuela?

Nigeria captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute.

4. When did Azeezat Oduntan score against Venezuela?

Oduntan scored in the 89th minute, just before the end of regulation time.

5. Who was Nigeria’s next opponent after defeating Venezuela?

The Flamingos will face Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

6. Where was the Nigeria versus Venezuela quarter-final played?

The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco.

7. Who saved Tosin Rafiu’s effort in the first half?

Venezuelan goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales saved Rafiu’s powerful attempt in the 19th minute.

8. What was the significance of Oduntan’s 89th-minute goal?

Her goal secured Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela and confirmed the Flamingos’ qualification for the semi-finals.

9. What is at stake in Nigeria’s semi-final against Brazil?

The Flamingos will be competing for a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.