Nigeria’s Flamingos have taken another significant step towards rewriting their history at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, surviving a tense quarterfinal encounter to keep their hopes of winning the competition alive.
The Nigerian youngsters arrived at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat knowing that a place in the last four was within reach, but Venezuela presented a difficult challenge after eliminating Germany in the previous round.
For much of Sunday’s encounter, neither side could find the breakthrough, as Nigeria’s attacking pressure met determined Venezuelan resistance. However, with the possibility of extra time approaching, the contest produced a decisive moment that changed everything.
Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty after Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside the box, handing Nigeria a 1-0 victory and securing their passage into the semi finals.
The result marks the Flamingos’ second appearance in the competition’s last four, following their historic run in 2022, when they finished third to claim the bronze medal.
But their latest achievement carries another layer of significance. The victory over Venezuela gave Nigeria four wins in regular time at a single edition of the tournament for the first time, establishing a new national record in the competition.
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The Flamingos approached the quarter-final with attacking intent, aware that Venezuela had already demonstrated their ability to upset established opponents by eliminating Germany in the Round of 16.
Nigeria created several opportunities during the opening half, with Umejiaku, Mary Dunstan, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Tosin Rafiu all involved in their attempts to break the deadlock.
Rafiu tested Venezuelan goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales in the 19th minute, while Dunstan also forced a save eight minutes before half-time. Rebanales remained an important figure for Venezuela as the South Americans resisted Nigeria’s attempts to take control.
Venezuela also threatened, with Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui attempting efforts in the 38th minute, but neither team managed to score before the interval.
Nigeria maintained their attacking approach after the restart, with Dunstan, Yusuf, Rafiu and Umejiaku continuing to search for an opening.
Head coach Akeem Busari introduced Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in the 57th minute, while Venezuela responded with a double substitution involving Orliany Duran and Natalia Bermudez ten minutes later.
As the contest entered its closing stages, Nigeria continued to push for a winner, although Venezuela remained dangerous on the counter attack.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 89th minute when Umejiaku was fouled inside the penalty area. Oduntan assumed responsibility and converted from the spot to put Nigeria in front.
Venezuela attempted to force an equalizer during eight minutes of added time, with Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo making efforts on goal, but the Flamingos held on to secure their place in the semi finals.
A record-breaking campaign takes shape for Nigeria
Nigeria’s qualification for the last four also represents the culmination of an impressive recovery following their disappointing start to the tournament.
The Flamingos opened their Group B campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, with Umejiaku scoring Nigeria’s only goal.
However, they responded with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Puerto Rico before producing an impressive 3-1 win against defending champions DPR Korea to secure their passage into the knockout rounds.
Their momentum continued in the Round of 16, where Umejiaku and Dunstan scored in a 2-1 victory over Mexico to set up the quarterfinal meeting with Venezuela.
Oduntan’s late intervention completed a sequence of four victories in five matches, taking Nigeria’s overall tournament record to nine goals scored and four conceded.
More importantly, the Flamingos have now recorded four victories in regular time at a single edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, surpassing their previous best of three wins.
They had achieved that earlier tally during the 2010, 2014 and 2024 editions, making their current campaign the most successful in terms of regular time victories.
Brazil stand between Nigeria and another final
The Flamingos’ attention will now turn to Brazil, who await them in Wednesday’s semi final as Nigeria attempt to reach the competition’s final for the first time.
The encounter is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat.
Nigeria’s previous semi-final appearance came in 2022, when they eventually finished third to secure the bronze medal. Their latest progression offers another opportunity to improve on that achievement and move closer to an elusive World Cup title.
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Having negotiated a difficult knockout challenge against Mexico and Venezuela, Busari’s side will now face another demanding examination against Brazil, with a place in the final at stake.
The Flamingos have already established a new benchmark for themselves in Morocco. Their next assignment offers the opportunity to turn that historic campaign into something even more significant.
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