CAF Congratulates Nigeria’s Flamingos After Reaching U-17 Women’s World Cup Semifinals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their qualification for the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Nigerian team booked their place in the last four after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela in Sunday’s quarter-final encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.

Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, sending Nigeria through to the semifinals.

Oduntan’s Late Penalty Sends Nigeria Through

The match-winning penalty was awarded after tournament top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside Venezuela’s penalty area.

The referee’s decision was reviewed through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and upheld. Oduntan then kept her composure to convert the spot-kick and secure Nigeria’s place in the final four.

The achievement marks another strong performance by the Flamingos, who have matched Nigeria’s previous semifinal appearance at the tournament in 2022. The team also reached the bronze-medal position that year.

CAF Women’s Football celebrated the victory in a post on its official X account.

“The Flamingos are flying into the semis! 🦩🇳🇬 Nigeria edge Venezuela to reach the #U17WWC semi-finals! #AfricanFootball,” the organisation wrote.

Flamingos Remain Africa’s Last Team in the Competition

Nigeria’s qualification leaves the Flamingos as the only African team remaining in the 2026 tournament.

Ghana had earlier exited the competition after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Japan in another quarter-final fixture.

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The Nigerian side will now face Brazil on Wednesday, November 4, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. A victory would send the Flamingos into the final.

Brazil secured its semifinal place after coming from behind to defeat China 2-1.

Nigeria Targets a Place in the Final

The Flamingos have continued their impressive run after recovering from a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match.

They subsequently recorded four consecutive victories, defeating Puerto Rico 2-0, defending champions North Korea 3-1, Mexico 2-1 and Venezuela 1-0.

With Brazil standing between Nigeria and a place in the final, the Flamingos will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.