Flamingos semi-final berth: Oduntan’s penalty sends Nigeria past Venezuela

The Flamingos semi-final berth keeps Nigeria two wins from a first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, after Azeezat Oduntan’s 89th-minute penalty sent the team past Venezuela.

The berth puts Nigeria two wins from its first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty for a 1–0 quarter-final win over Venezuela in Rabat on Sunday, 1 November. The result carries the team into the last four for only the second time, following its bronze-medal finish in India in 2022.

Oluebube Umejiaku won the spot-kick after a foul in the area. The referee checked the incident at the pitchside monitor and upheld the decision before Oduntan scored, the NFF report said. Nigeria now meets Brazil on Wednesday, 4 November, with a place in the final at stake.

How did Nigeria reach the U-17 World Cup semi-final?

Nigeria created the stronger attacking spells, while Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales kept the score level with a series of saves. Tosin Rafiu and Mary Dunstan tested her in the first half, and Venezuela threatened through Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui.

Coach Hakeem Busari brought on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as Nigeria pressed for a goal. The referee awarded the penalty late in regulation time, reviewed the foul on the pitchside screen and upheld the call. Oduntan converted in the 89th minute. Premium Times and Channels TV also reported the late penalty and Nigeria’s progress.

What does the Flamingos semi-final berth mean for Nigeria?

The result gives Nigeria another chance to improve on its best finish, third place in 2022. The team reached the last four in India and won the bronze medal; a victory over Brazil would take the Flamingos into a World Cup final for the first time. FIFA’s tournament page records the 2026 knockout stage.

The run in Morocco has gathered momentum across the knockout rounds. Nigeria beat Mexico 2–1 in the round of 16, then edged Venezuela in a close quarter-final. Earlier, the team recovered from a 2–1 opening defeat to Poland with group-stage wins over Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea. Those results gave the squad experience in both open matches and tight finishes.

READ ALSO: FIFA U-17 World Cup: Can Nigeria’s Flamingos go all the way?

When will Nigeria play Brazil?

The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November, at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. FIFA’s match schedule lists the semi-finals for that day, and the NFF identifies Brazil as Nigeria’s opponent.

Brazil reached the last four with a 2–1 quarter-final win over China PR. The other semi-final pairs DPR Korea with Japan. Both winners will meet in the final on 7 November, while the two losing teams will play for bronze the same day, according to the published schedule.

What should Nigeria expect in the semi-final?

The Flamingos have three days between the Venezuela match and the Brazil tie. That gives Busari and his staff a short preparation window to review the quarter-final, recover the players and plan for a Brazil side that also advanced with a one-goal win.

A place in the final would mark a new high for Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team. The squad already has a bronze medal from 2022; the Wednesday match will decide whether it can compete for the title in Morocco. Supporters in Nigeria can follow the semi-final through FIFA’s published tournament schedule and official match coverage.

Flamingos semi-final berth: frequently asked questions

Who scored for Nigeria against Venezuela?

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the only goal with an 89th-minute penalty.

Who won the penalty for Nigeria?

Oluebube Umejiaku won the spot-kick after a foul inside Venezuela’s penalty area.

Who will Nigeria face in the semi-final?

Nigeria will play Brazil on Wednesday, 4 November, in Rabat.

How many times have the Flamingos reached the semi-finals?

The Morocco 2026 run is Nigeria’s second semi-final appearance. The team won bronze at the 2022 tournament in India.