Nigeria Edge Venezuela with Late Penalty to Reach U17 Women’s World Cup Semi-Finals

Nigeria’s U17 women reached the World Cup semi-finals in Morocco after beating Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Captain Azizat Oduntan scored the match’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, sending Nigeria into the last four for the second time in their history.

Both sides had chances, but Venezuela’s defensive organisation made it difficult for Nigeria to score, and neither team found the net before the break. With this win, Nigeria recorded their fourth victory in regulation time at the tournament, setting a national record for the most wins in a single edition.

Nigeria’s qualification came after they lost their opening match 2-1 to Poland, then beat Puerto Rico 2-0 and North Korea 3-1 to progress from the group stage, before defeating Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16. Their winning run has now reached four consecutive matches since the opening defeat.

Venezuela had reached the quarter-finals by eliminating Germany 1-0 in the Round of 16, but Oduntan’s late penalty ended their tournament. Nigeria will face Brazil in the semi-finals after Brazil beat China 2-1 with both goals scored by Helena, while Nigeria seek to reach the final for the first time in their history.