Flamingos set up Brazil semis after late Venezuela winner

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Flamingos set up Brazil semis after late Venezuela winner Sports November 2, 2026 12:31 am U-17 women’s national team, Flamingos

Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a dramatic quarter-final encounter in Salé, Morocco.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute to send the Nigerian side into the last four, where they will face Brazil for a place in the final.

The encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Academy saw the Flamingos dominate much of the contest but struggle to find a way past a stubborn Venezuelan defence.

Nigeria started brightly, with Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluebube Umejiaku leading the attacking threat as they searched for an early breakthrough.

Rafiu came close in the 19th minute with a powerful effort, but Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales produced a fine save to keep the scoreline level.

The South Americans offered little attacking threat, relying largely on counter-attacks, while Nigeria maintained pressure in search of the opening goal.

Despite their dominance, the Flamingos were unable to break through before the interval and continued to push after the restart.

With the match seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout, Oduntan found the breakthrough a minute before regulation time, finishing inside the box to secure Nigeria’s passage into the semi-finals.

The Flamingos recorded 18 shots against Venezuela’s six and won nine corners, while their opponents failed to win any.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to Brazil, with a place in the final at stake as they continue their bid for a maiden U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

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