Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela in Morocco.

Azeezat Oduntan scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to settle a closely contested match between two sides who had both produced surprise wins in the last 16.

Venezuela had eliminated reigning European champions Germany, while Nigeria advanced after defeating Mexico 2-1.

The Flamingos controlled much of the possession and created the clearer opportunities, but Venezuela’s defence, marshalled by captain Valeria Rebanales, kept Nigeria at bay for most of the game.

Nigeria were eventually awarded a penalty late on, and captain Oduntan converted to give her side the lead. Venezuela pressed for an equaliser during stoppage time, but the Flamingos held firm to complete the win.

The result means Nigeria will play in the semi-finals for the second time in four years. They finished third and won bronze at the 2022 edition in India.

The Flamingos began this tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Poland but responded with group-stage victories over Puerto Rico, whom they beat 2-0, and defending champions North Korea, who they defeated 3-1. They then overcame Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16.

Nigeria, coached by Akeem Busari, will face Brazil on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Brazil reached the last four by coming from behind to beat China 2-1, with Helena Sampaio scoring in the 47th and 87th minutes.

The match finished:

Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela

Goal: Azeezat Oduntan (89th minute, penalty)

Nigeria’s starting team was Jane Ijirigho, Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku. Precious Oscar replaced Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in the 57th minute.

Venezuela started with Valeria Rebanales, Karla Alfonzo, Dariana Medina, Abril Alejo, Antonella Carmona, Migleydys Bolsegui, Juneski Flores, Astrid GRANADILLO Granadillo, Ariana Ojeda, Diana Bravo and Andrea Suarez.

Natalia Bermudez and Orliany Duran came on for Ariana Ojeda and Diana Bravo in the 67th minute. Anabella FIGUEREDO replaced Andrea Suarez in the 81st minute, while Mariangeles Avila took the place of Antonella Carmona in the first minute of stoppage time.

Bankole Olowookere was also identified as the Flamingos’ coach during the match report, while Dayana Frias was listed as Venezuela’s head coach.