Flamingos Soar Past Venezuela into U17 World Cup Semis – Next Stop Brazil

Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday in Salé, Morocco, setting up a tantalizing clash with Brazil.

The West African side continued their remarkable recovery in the tournament, advancing to the last four for the first time since their bronze-medal campaign in India in 2022.

After an opening Group B defeat to Poland, the Flamingos responded with convincing wins over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, and Mexico in the Round of 16 before overcoming the South Americans in the quarterfinals at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Key performers throughout the competition have included forward Oluebube Umejiaku, who has been among the tournament’s leading scorers, midfielder Mary Dunstan, and the energetic Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho has provided solid defensive cover, while the back line featuring players such as Ohunene Sunday and Esther Stephen has grown in confidence with each match.

On the night, it was an 88th minute penalty by Azeezat Oduntan that made the difference.

Coach Akeem Busari’s side showed the resilience and attacking flair that has become their hallmark after the early setback.

Venezuela, known for their strong historical record at this level with multiple previous semifinal appearances, arrived as dangerous opponents after stunning Germany in the Round of 16.

The South Americans had advanced from a tough group that included losses to France and Japan but a vital win over Zambia. Nigeria’s superior current form and momentum proved decisive in the quarterfinal showdown.

The victory propels the Flamingos into a high-stakes semifinal against Brazil. The South American powerhouse has been one of the stronger sides in the competition and will present a stern test of Nigeria’s attacking creativity and defensive organization.

A place in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is now within touching distance for Busari’s young squad.

Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco has already delivered memorable moments, including the statement win over North Korea that ended a long unbeaten run for the Asian champions.

Reaching the last four again underscores the depth of talent in Nigerian women’s youth football and raises hopes of an even deeper run or a first-ever title.

With confidence high and a balanced squad, the team heads into the Brazil clash determined to continue their upward trajectory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos have once again shown why they remain one of Africa’s most consistent performers on the global youth stage. Semifinal football against Brazil awaits.