Flamingos reach Brazil semi-finals after late goal against Venezuela

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made it to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. They won against Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final match in Salé, Morocco.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the only goal in the 89th minute. This goal sent the Nigerian team to the last four, where they will meet Brazil for a chance to play in the final.

The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy. The Flamingos played well for most of the game but had a hard time breaking through Venezuela's tough defense.

Nigeria started strong, with Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan, and Oluebube Umejiaku leading the attack. They were looking for an early goal.

Rafiu nearly scored in the 19th minute with a powerful shot, but Venezuela’s goalkeeper, Valeria Rebanales, made a great save to keep the game scoreless.

The South American team did not create many chances. They mostly relied on quick counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Nigeria kept pushing for the first goal.

Even with their control of the game, the Flamingos could not score before halftime. They continued to attack after the break.

As the match seemed to be heading for penalties, Oduntan found the net just before the end of regular time. She finished inside the box to secure Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals.

The Flamingos took 18 shots compared to Venezuela’s six and earned nine corners, while their opponents did not win any.

Now, Nigeria will focus on Brazil. A spot in the final is on the line as they aim for their first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.