After a first half in which Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales kept Nigeria out, the Flamingos were still looking for a goal with two minutes of regulation time left. The opening finally came from the penalty spot. Oduntan scored in the 89th minute on Sunday, 1 November, sending Nigeria through to the last four of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria had created chances before that without finding a way past Rebanales. Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Tosin Rafiu and Oluebube Umejiaku all tried to score. Midfielder Favour Nkwocha received a caution. Coach Hakeem Busari turned to his bench, bringing on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as his side searched for a breakthrough.
It was Umejiaku who won the penalty. The referee gave the decision in the 88th minute and went to the monitor to review it. The decision stood. Captain Oduntan then took the kick, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match while there was still time for Venezuela to respond.
The final whistle did not immediately follow. Venezuela threatened through Astrid Granadillo and Abril Alejo in the closing stages. Nigeria had to protect the lead through eight minutes of added time before the one-goal victory was secure.
The route to the semi-final began with a 2–1 defeat by Poland. Nigeria recovered to beat Puerto Rico 2–0 and North Korea 3–1. A 2–1 victory over Mexico took the Flamingos into the quarter-finals. The result against Venezuela gives the team a fourth successive win after that opening defeat.
What it means for you: the next match for Nigerian supporters to follow is the semi-final against Brazil, scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Brazil came from behind to beat China 2–1 in their quarter-final. The winners of the Nigeria–Brazil match will earn a place in the final.