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Nigeria Carry Africa’s Hopes into FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Semi-Finals

Nigeria have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Sunday.


The West African side showed patience and determination in a closely contested encounter before finding the breakthrough in the closing stages. With the match heading towards a possible penalty shootout, captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to secure Nigeria’s passage into the last four.


Venezuela proved a difficult opponent, but Nigeria held on during eight minutes of added time to protect their narrow advantage and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.


The victory marks Nigeria’s second appearance in the semi-finals of the competition, having previously reached the last four in 2022, when they finished third. The result also gives the team a record fourth victory in regulation time at a single edition of the tournament.


Nigeria will now turn their attention to a challenging semi-final meeting with Brazil on Wednesday, 4 November. Brazil booked their place in the last four after recovering from a goal down to defeat China PR 2-1, with Helena scoring twice, including the late winner.


The upcoming encounter presents Nigeria with an opportunity to move one step closer to the final and strengthen their position among the leading teams in youth women’s football.


Meanwhile, Ghana’s campaign came to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals. Nanami Kurita scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, sending Japan into the semi-finals for the first time since 2016.


DPR Korea also advanced after a convincing 3-0 victory over the United States, maintaining their pursuit of a third consecutive title.


With Nigeria now the remaining African representative in the competition, attention will be firmly on the Flamingos as they prepare for their crucial encounter against Brazil.


For the Nigerian youngsters, the objective is clear: deliver another determined performance and secure a place in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.


Writer: Lindokuhle Smile

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