FIFA U17 WWC: Flamingos Reach Semi-Finals, Set Up Brazil Clash

Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final on Sunday night.

Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to send Nigeria into the last four.

The Flamingos dominated much of the attacking play, particularly in the first half, but struggled to find a way past Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales.

Rebanales produced several important saves as Nigeria created chances but failed to break the deadlock.

Nigeria continued to press after the interval, with Favour Nkwocha receiving a yellow card as the Flamingos maintained their attacking pressure.

Head coach Hakeem Busari then introduced Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as Nigeria searched for the breakthrough.

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty.

However, the official later reviewed the decision at the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor before confirming the spot kick.

Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku had won the penalty after going down in the Venezuela box.

Oduntan took responsibility and calmly converted the opportunity with only a minute left in regulation time.

The late strike ended Venezuela’s resistance and secured Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals.

The Flamingos will now face Brazil for a place in the final.

Brazil booked their semi-final spot with a 2-1 victory over China in their own quarter-final tie.

Nigeria’s victory keeps the Flamingos’ campaign alive as they target a place in the final of the tournament.