Nigeria’s Flamingos have been handed a potentially favourable route to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after Venezuela defeated Germany 1-0 in the Round of 16.

According to ESPN on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Venezuela’s victory means the South American side will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals in Morocco. The Flamingos secured their place in the last eight with a 2-1 victory over Mexico.

Nigeria started strongly against Mexico, with Oluebube Umejiaku opening the scoring before Mary Akpan Dunstan doubled the advantage in the second half. Mexico attempted to recover after Emily Delgado scored late in the encounter, but the Nigerian team held on to secure qualification.

Venezuela’s triumph over Germany has created an opportunity for Nigeria to advance, considering the European side’s impressive record in the group stage, where they won all three matches. Germany had been regarded as one of the teams capable of challenging for the title.

However, Diana Bravo scored in the fifth minute to give Venezuela the lead, and her teammates successfully defended their advantage until the final whistle.

Germany have previously proved difficult opponents for Nigeria. At the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the Germans defeated the Flamingos 2-1 in the group stage. Nigeria later faced them in the third-place match, which ended 3-3 before the Nigerian team won on penalties.

Despite avoiding Germany, Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate Venezuela. Their victory over the European side demonstrates their ability to compete against highly rated opposition, meaning the Flamingos must remain disciplined and clinical in front of goal.

Nigeria will draw confidence from their performances in Morocco, including a 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea in the group stage and their subsequent win against Mexico.

Having finished third at the 2022 tournament in India, the Flamingos will be determined to reach the semi-finals and improve on their previous achievement. However, they must deliver another strong performance against Venezuela to secure a place in the last four.