Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final encounter on Sunday night.

Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to send Nigeria into the last four, where they will face Brazil, who defeated China 2-1 in their quarter-final tie.

The Flamingos dominated much of the attacking play but struggled to break down a stubborn Venezuelan defence, with goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales producing several impressive saves to keep her side in contention.

Nigeria created a number of promising opportunities, particularly in the first half, but were repeatedly denied by Rebanales, who proved a formidable obstacle to the Nigerian attack.

Midfielder Favour Nkwocha was booked as the West Africans continued to search for an opening goal, while head coach Hakeem Busari made his first substitution by bringing on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in an attempt to inject fresh impetus into the attack.

With the contest heading towards a goalless finish, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough in the closing stages.

Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku won a penalty for the Flamingos in the 88th minute, but the referee was initially invited to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.

Following the VAR review, the penalty decision was upheld, handing Nigeria a golden opportunity to secure their passage into the semi-finals.

Oduntan assumed responsibility and calmly converted from the spot in the 89th minute, sparking celebrations among the Nigerian players and technical crew.

The late strike proved decisive as the Flamingos held on to their advantage to seal a hard-fought victory and maintain their quest for a first FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to Brazil in the semi-finals after the South Americans overcame China 2-1 to secure their own place in the last four.

The encounter promises to be a stern test for Busari’s side as they seek to extend their impressive run and move within one victory of reaching the final.