2026 FIFA U-17WWC:Oduntan scores as Nigeria beat Venezuela 1-0 to zoom into semi-finals stage 

From Harry Awurumibe, Live in Morocco

A 89th minute penalty goal converted by stand-in captain Azeezat Oduntan was all Nigeria needed to beat Venezuela 1-0 in the thrilling quarter-finals encounter played Sunday evening at Pitch 4 of Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Rabat, to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The highly tensed match was heading for a barren draw at full time as the Flamingos continued to push for a breakthrough in the second half after the first stanza ended without any of the sides finding the net.

But their persistence paid off late on in the encounter when the hardworking forward Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled by the Venezuelan player

inside the penalty box and the centre referee ruled for a spot kick which Oduntan converted beautifully to send Nigeria through to the last four.

It was a match the Nigerians showed character early but it still ended goalless at half-time despite the Flamingos creating several attacking opportunities with Tosin Rafiu, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all tried their luck, while Oluebube Umejiaku also threatened early in the match.

Their efforts were thwarted by the brilliance of Venezuela’s goalkeeper and captain Valeria Rebanales who stood firm to keep the Flamingos at arms length.

However, the Venezuelans also created someopportunities of their with Ariana Ojeda and Migleydys Bolsegui attempting efforts on goal but Nigeria’s reliable goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho was at her best.

Coach Busari Hakeem Ishola’s team got the result they wanted with the 1-0 defeat of Venezuela and will now face Brazil in one of the two semi-final matches after the South American nation beat China 2-1 in their quarter-final fixture.