Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s Flamingos booked their spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup with a narrow win over Venezuela on Sunday night at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé.
Flamingos captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to give Nigeria the win after Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down in the box.
Oduntan maintained her composure as she slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending Valeria Rebanales in the opposite direction.
It was quite a cagey affair, but the late goal broke Venezuela’s resistance as the Flamingos progressed into the last four, where they will take on Brazil for a place in the final.
Venezuela reached the knockout round as one of the best third-place teams and stunned Germany in the round of sixteen before facing Nigeria. Nigeria came close to scoring on a few occasions but lacked composure in front of goal.
The victory over Venezuela marks Nigeria’s second appearance in the semi-finals of the competition after the 2022 edition, where they came third, edging Germany in the third-place playoff.
The Flamingos started the competition on a shaky note as they lost their opening match to Poland.
However, the Nigerian girls bounced back with victories over Puerto-Rico and a famous win over defending champions, North Korea, to qualify for the knockout stage.
Nigeria then beat Mexico 2-1 in the second round before reaching the quarter-finals.
The Flamingos will take on Brazil in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with the hope of reaching the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time.
