Nigeria's Flamingos are into the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after a 1-0 win over Venezuela in their quarter-final in Morocco on Sunday.
Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down in the box, referee Hyeonjeong Oh pointed to the spot, and the decision was upheld after a VAR review, Daily Trust reported. Oduntan sent the Venezuela goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Flamingos had pushed for a breakthrough all match, with Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Tosin Rafiu and Umejiaku among those who tried to find the net, according to Channels Television. Venezuela, who knocked out Germany in the round of 16, were mostly restricted to counter-attacks, and Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho saved the four chances they created. Nigeria held on despite late efforts from Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo, and the match ended after eight minutes of added time.
A record run
The win was Nigeria's fourth of the tournament, a new national record for the most victories in a single edition of the U-17 Women's World Cup, the National Sports Commission (NSC) said. The Flamingos, coached by Akeem Busari, lost their opening game 2-1 to Poland, then beat Puerto Rico 2-0, defending champions North Korea 3-1 and Mexico 2-1 before Sunday's win.
In a statement after the match, the NSC said: "Congratulations to the players and technical crew. Nigeria stands behind you."
It is the second time the Flamingos have reached the semi-finals, after the 2022 tournament in India, where they finished third by beating Germany on penalties after a 3-3 draw, Complete Sports reported. They are also the only African team left in the competition after Ghana lost 1-0 to Japan in their quarter-final on Sunday.
Brazil next
The Flamingos will face Brazil on Wednesday, November 4, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, according to Channels Television. Brazil reached the last four with a 2-1 comeback win over China.
The Flamingos will continue their pursuit of a historic place in the final, the NSC said.
No comments yet