Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final encounter.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to send the Nigerian side through to the last four.

The encounter was goalless at half-time, despite Nigeria creating several attacking opportunities. Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all tried their luck, while Oluebube Umejiaku also threatened early in the match.

However, Venezuela goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales stood firm to keep the Flamingos at bay.

Venezuela also created opportunities, with Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui attempting efforts on goal.

Nigeria’s Favour Nkwocha received the only yellow card of the first half in the 24th minute.

The Flamingos continued to push for a breakthrough after the restart, and their persistence paid off late in the encounter when Umejiaku was fouled inside the penalty area.

The referee immediately awarded a penalty, giving Nigeria an opportunity to take the lead with time running out.

Oduntan stepped up in the 89th minute and calmly converted the spot-kick to put Nigeria ahead and seal their place in the semi-finals.

The Flamingos will now face Brazil in the last four after the South American side defeated China 2-1 in their quarter-final fixture.