Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final encounter on Sunday.
A dramatic late penalty from Nigeria proved decisive, sending the West African side into the last four and keeping their hopes of winning the tournament alive.
The victory also sets up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown against Brazil, who secured their own place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over China PR.
Oduntan converted the decisive spot-kick in the 89th minute to settle a closely contested encounter and spare Nigeria the prospect of extra-time drama.
The Flamingos had entered the quarter-final with confidence following their 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, where Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan were on target.
Venezuela, meanwhile, reached the last eight after eliminating Germany 1-0, making the South American side a difficult opponent for Nigeria. Confédération Africaine de Football +2
### Brazil await Flamingos in semi-finals
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Brazil, who defeated China PR 2-1 in the other quarter-final to secure their semi-final ticket.
The encounter promises to be a significant test for the Flamingos as they seek to progress to the final and move closer to a historic world title.
The other semi-final will feature defending champions DPR Korea against Japan. DPR Korea defeated the United States 3-0, while Japan edged Ghana 1-0, with Kurita scoring in the 54th minute. Wikipedia +1
### 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Quarter-final results
* DPR Korea 3-0 United States
* Japan 1-0 Ghana
* Brazil 2-1 China PR
* Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela (Oduntan 89′ pen)
### Semi-final fixtures – Wednesday, November 4
* DPR Korea vs Japan – 3:00 pm
* Nigeria vs Brazil – 6:30 pm
Both semi-finals will take place at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. FIFA +1
For Nigeria, the victory over Venezuela represents another important step in their pursuit of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy, with Brazil now standing between the Flamingos and a place in the final.
