2026 U-17 World Cup (W): Nigeria beat Venezuela to reach the semi-finals

The Flamingos' adventure in Morocco continues! Nigeria's women's U-17 team qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by beating Venezuela (1-0) in the quarter-finals. With both teams seemingly heading for extra time, captain Azeezat Oduntan delivered for her side in the final minutes.

Azeezat Oduntan, the qualification heroine

The match remained closely contested for a long time, and neither team managed to make the difference in regulation time. But in the 89th minute, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after a foul on Oluebube Umejiaku inside the penalty area. Captain Azeezat Oduntan stepped up and kept her composure to score the only goal of the match.

A decisive goal that allows the Nigerians to continue their run in the competition. This qualification also rewards Nigeria's progress in the tournament. After their opening defeat to Poland (2-1), the Flamingos have recorded four consecutive victories:

• Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico
• Nigeria 3-1 North Korea
• Nigeria 2-1 Mexico
• Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela

With four victories, the Nigerian team has set a new national record for the number of wins in a single edition of the Women's U-17 World Cup. They have also reached the final four for the second time in their history, following their first qualification in 2022, when they finished with the bronze medal. The next challenge promises to be a major one for the Nigerians. They will face Brazil in the semi-final, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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