Nigeria's Flamingos squeezed past Venezuela 1-0 in Sunday night's quarter-final thriller to book a semi-final spot at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Azeezat Oduntan fired home a penalty in the 89th minute to break the deadlock.

The match proved fiercely competitive, with Nigeria creating multiple chances but repeatedly thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales. She made crucial saves to keep her team in contention throughout.

Nigeria dominated possession in the opening half and pressed for a breakthrough. Midfielder Favour Nkwocha received a booking as tensions mounted on the pitch.

Head coach Hakeem Busari introduced Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi midway through, seeking the elusive goal. The scoreline remained locked at 0-0 until late in the contest.

In the 88th minute, the referee pointed to the spot before heading to the pitchside monitor to review the decision using VAR. After consulting the footage, he confirmed the penalty award.

Top scorer Oluebuke Umejiaku won the spot-kick that proved decisive. Oduntan stepped up and converted cleanly to seal Nigeria's passage through.

The Flamingos will now face Brazil in the semi-finals. The South Americans advanced by edging China 2-1 in their own quarter-final clash.