Oduntan's late penalty sends Flamingos into U-17 World Cup semi-final
- Nigeria beat Venezuela 1-0 in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-final in Sale, Morocco.
- Azeezatt Oduntan scored from the spot in the 89th minute after a VAR review upheld the penalty.
- The Flamingos now face Brazil in the semi-finals, with North Korea meeting Japan in the other tie.
Nigeria's Flamingos are through to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after a 1-0 win over Venezuela in Sale, Morocco, on Sunday night.
The only goal came from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, when Azeezatt Oduntan converted after the referee reviewed the decision on VAR and allowed it to stand. Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku had won the penalty.
For much of the match it looked like the quarter-final might stretch further. Nigeria pressed and created chances, but Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales kept them out with a string of saves, including a couple in the first half.
Coach Hakeem Busari made his first change of the night by bringing on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as he searched for a way through. Midfielder Favour Nkwocha was booked as Nigeria kept pushing.
What happens next
The Flamingos will face Brazil in the semi-finals. Brazil came from behind to beat China 2-1 in their own quarter-final.
The other semi-final will be between North Korea and Japan.
This is only the second time Nigeria have reached the last four of this competition. The first time, in 2022, the team went on to win bronze.
For Nigerian fans, it is another sign that the country's youth teams can compete with the best. A place in the final would be a first for the Flamingos, and a win over Brazil would put them one match away from gold.
