NIGERIA’S FLAMINGOS REACH U-17 WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

By: Gyang Dakwo

In a welcome change of fortune for Nigerian football, the Flamingos have delivered another moment of pride for the country by beating Venezuela to advance to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The young ladies knocked out Venezuela by a lone goal in a tense quarter-final encounter in Morocco on Sunday.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan was Nigeria’s heroine, scoring from the spot in the 89th minute to settle a contest that appeared headed for extra time.

The Flamingos began with purpose, taking the initiative and creating opportunities to put Venezuela under pressure. It was all attack as Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku  tested the opposition defence as Nigeria sought an early breakthrough.

Venezuela, however, proved a difficult opponent to break down as their goalkeeper and captain, Valeria Rebanales, stood firm against Nigeria’s attacking efforts, while Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui offered threats at the other end to ensure the South Americans remained firmly in contention.

Despite the attacking exchanges, neither side could find the net before half-time. Nigeria’s Favour Nkwocha received the only booking of the opening period in the 24th minute, as the teams went into the break locked in a goalless contest.

The second half brought more urgency from the Flamingos, who continued to search for a way past Venezuela’s organised defence. However, the breakthrough remained elusive as the clock ran down and the possibility of extra time grew.

Finally with just a minute remaining in regulation time, the opportunity came via a penalty kick which Oduntan took responsibility and converted in the 89th minute, thus breaking Venezuela’s resistance and giving Nigeria the winner.

The Flamingos have now moved within two victories of claiming the world title, keeping alive their ambition of bringing the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy home.