The Flamingos reached the last four at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time, after beating Venezuela in a hard fought quarter final in Morocco.
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Nigeria’s Flamingos are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a late Azeezat Oduntan penalty earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Venezuela in Morocco on Sunday. They will face Brazil in the last four.
The quarter final was played in Salé, with kick-off at 7 p.m. Nigerian time. It was a tight game, and Nigeria had to wait until late on to find the breakthrough.
Oduntan converted a late penalty to break the deadlock. It was the only goal of the match.
Venezuela had reached the quarter-final by beating Germany 1-0 in the Round of 16. They could not find a way past the Nigerian defence this time. Readers who follow Nigerian football can also claim YOHAIG sign-up page before the semi-final.
A Second Semi-Final for Nigeria
This is only the second time the Flamingos have reached the last four of the tournament. They did it for the first time in 2022 in India, where they beat the USA 4-3 on penalties in the quarter final.
That run ended in a semi-final loss to Colombia on penalties, 6-5. Nigeria then took bronze in the third-place game, beating Germany 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
In 2024, they went out at the quarter-final stage after a 2-0 loss to the USA. This run already goes one step further.
Is this team better than the 2022 side? It is too early to say, but the Flamingos have beaten defending champions Korea DPR, Mexico and Venezuela on the way here. Anyone curious about promotions can read bonus code rules at Bet9ja first.
Brazil Next
Brazil have also reached the semi-final. Nigeria and Brazil have met at this level before, drawing 1-1 in the 2022 group stage in India.
The semi-final is later this week. The winner will go into the final, while the loser plays for bronze.
Nkwocha was named Player of the Match against Venezuela, according to reports. Her performance will give Nigeria belief going into the Brazil game.
Can the Flamingos go all the way? A calm finish in front of goal will help, as it did against Venezuela. Readers can also check these Bet9ja promo code facts before the semi-final.
Akeem Busari’s side will need the same discipline against Brazil.
For now, the Flamingos can celebrate a place in the last four. Brazil will test them in a big way.
📌 Did You Know?
- In 2022, Nigeria opened their group campaign with an 8-0 win over hosts India, then drew 1-1 with Brazil and beat Morocco 4-0.
- Nigeria’s win over Korea DPR in this tournament ended the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which stretched back to 2018.
- Brazil’s quarter-final opponent was China.
- The Round of 16 and quarter-final games were played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé.
- Nigeria beat Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, with goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan.
