Nigeria fly African flag as 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup reaches semi-final stage

Nigeria’s Flamingos are the only African team remaining in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after booking their place in the semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals.

The West Africans secured their passage to the last four on Sunday, November 1, thanks to a late penalty from captain Azeezat Oduntan in the 89th minute. The decisive strike ended Venezuela’s resistance and kept Nigeria’s hopes of winning the competition alive.

Nigeria’s qualification means Africa’s representation in the tournament now rests solely on the Flamingos following Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Japan.

Ghana’s Black Maidens bowed out after a closely contested encounter, with Nanami Kurita scoring Japan’s winning goal in the 54th minute. Despite a determined defensive effort, the defeat ended Ghana’s campaign at the quarter-final stage.

The other quarter-final results also produced impressive performances from the remaining contenders. Defending champions DPR Korea defeated the United States 3-0, with Ri Ui-gyong scoring twice and Ri Ye-rim adding another goal to secure their semi-final ticket.

Brazil completed the final-four line-up with a 2-1 comeback victory over China PR. China took the lead through Wu Yichen in the 42nd minute, but Helena equalised immediately after the restart before scoring again in the 88th minute to send Brazil through.

Semi-final fixtures

The semi-finals will take place on Wednesday, November 4, with two exciting encounters scheduled.

Japan will face DPR Korea at 2:00 pm in an all-Asian showdown. Japan advanced after eliminating Ghana, while DPR Korea continued their title defence with a convincing victory over the United States.

In the second semi-final, Brazil will take on Nigeria at 5:30 pm. The Flamingos will be aiming to overcome the South American side and secure a place in the final as Africa’s last representatives.

With four teams remaining, the race for the 2026 title is entering its decisive stage, and Nigeria will carry the continent’s hopes into the final four.