The Flamingos of Nigeria will battle another South American team, Brazil, for a place in the final of the 2026 U17 Women’s World Cup after they pipped spirited Venezuela 1-0 in tonight’s quarterfinal.
Brazil also had to wait until the closing moments before they could see off China 2-1 in their own quarterfinal.
It is Nigeria’s second semifinal after they first reached that stage of the competition in 2022, when they finished third best.
They will also be the only African team through to the last four after Ghana were sent packing by Japan earlier today.
Captain Azezat Oduntan was the match winner for Nigeria, when she put away a penalty in the 89th minute after leading scorer Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled inside the box.
Nigeria threw everything at Venezuela, but goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales and some resolute defending ensured they stretched the Flamingos to the last few minutes of this encounter.
The Flamingos will now be up against the Samba Girls Wednesday in Rabat.
