Nigeria’s U‑17 women’s team, the Flamingos, secured a 1‑0 victory over Venezuela to advance to the semi‑finals of the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup. The match, played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco on Sunday, saw captain Azeezat Oduntan convert a late penalty in the 89th minute to clinch the win.
The penalty, awarded after a defender’s handball in the box, proved decisive as Venezuela failed to respond in the remaining minutes. The Flamingos’ disciplined defence held firm, limiting the opposition to a single goal and preserving their lead until the final whistle.
With the victory, Nigeria moves into the last four of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the other quarter‑final clash. The team’s progress marks a significant achievement for Nigerian youth football on the international stage.
Speaking after the match, the coaching staff praised the players’ resilience and focus, noting that the penalty was a result of meticulous preparation and composure under pressure.
As the tournament continues, the Flamingos aim to build on this momentum and contend for a place on the world stage, showcasing the growing talent within Nigeria’s women’s football ranks.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
