Nigeria Flamingos beat Venezuela with late Oduntan penalty to reach 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals

The Flamingos record a historic fourth victory in Morocco and book a second semi-final appearance, where they will face Brazil on 4 November.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday.

A late penalty from Azeezat Oduntan proved decisive at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 4, in Rabat, as the Nigerian side booked their place among the tournament’s final four.

Oduntan converted from the spot in the 89th minute after Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled inside the penalty area, giving Nigeria a breakthrough after a closely contested encounter.

The victory marks Nigeria’s second appearance in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their run to the last four in 2022, when the Flamingos finished third to claim the bronze medal.

It also gives Nigeria a new tournament record. The win over Venezuela is their fourth victory in regular time at a single edition of the competition, the first time the country has achieved that feat at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria dominate chances before late breakthrough

Nigeria began the quarter-final with attacking intent, looking to take control against a Venezuelan side that had eliminated Germany in the Round of 16.

Oluebube Umejiaku, Mary Dunstan, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Tosin Rafiu all attempted efforts in the opening half as the Flamingos searched for an early goal. Rafiu tested Venezuela goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales in the 19th minute, while Dunstan also forced a save in the 35th minute. Rebanales remained important to Venezuela’s resistance, keeping Nigeria from taking the lead.

Venezuela had opportunities of their own, with Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui attempting efforts in the 38th minute. However, neither team could find the net before the break, with the first half ending 0-0.

Nigeria continued to push after the restart. Dunstan had another attempt in the 50th minute, while Yusuf, Rafiu and Umejiaku remained involved in the attacking play.

Head coach Akeem Busari introduced Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in the 57th minute as Nigeria looked for a way through. Venezuela also made changes, bringing on Orliany Duran and Natalia Bermudez in the 67th minute.

Oscar, who had scored against Puerto Rico in the group stage, attempted to make an impact, while Esther Stephen and other Nigerian players continued to test the Venezuelan defence.

As the match entered its closing stages, Venezuela looked to threaten on the counter, but Nigeria maintained their pressure.

The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Umejiaku was fouled inside the box. Oduntan stepped up and converted the resulting penalty to put Nigeria ahead.

Venezuela pushed for an equaliser during eight minutes of added time, with Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo attempting efforts on goal. Nigeria held on until the final whistle to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Nigeria’s journey to the semi-finals

The Flamingos’ progress in Morocco has followed a recovery from an opening-day defeat.

Nigeria began their Group B campaign with a 2-1 loss to Poland, with Umejiaku scoring their only goal in that match.

They responded with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico before recording a 3-1 win against defending champions DPR Korea to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

The Nigerian side then defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Umejiaku and Dunstan finding the net to take them into the quarter-finals.

Oduntan’s late penalty against Venezuela completed their fourth victory of the tournament and extended their run to the semi-finals.

Their results in Morocco are:

Group B: Poland 2-1 Nigeria

Group B: Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico

Group B: Nigeria 3-1 DPR Korea

Round of 16: Nigeria 2-1 Mexico

Quarter-final: Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela

Nigeria have now recorded four wins and one defeat, scoring nine goals and conceding four across their five matches.

The achievement of four victories in regular time at one edition is a new record for the Flamingos. Their previous highest tally was three wins in the 2010, 2014 and 2024 tournaments.

Player of the Match - Favour Nkwocha

Nigeria’s Flamingos’ Favour Nkwocha has been named Player of the Match, becoming the third FC Robo Queens player to receive the award at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

She follows club teammates Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kanyisola Yusuf Rodiat. Another recognition for FC Robo Queens’ contribution to the Flamingos!

Brazil next for the Flamingos

Nigeria will now turn their attention to Brazil, who await them in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The semi-final is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco.

A place in the final will be at stake as Nigeria seek to go one step further than their bronze-medal finish in 2022.

For the Flamingos, the victory over Venezuela has already secured a place in the history of the team’s World Cup campaign. They now have another opportunity to reach the final and compete for the title.

Next match

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026: Semi-final

Brazil vs Nigeria

Date: 4 November 2026

Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time

Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco

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