Nigeria midfielder Mary Dunstan has expressed confidence in the Flamingos’ ability to defeat Venezuela and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Dunstan spoke after Nigeria defeated Mexico 2-1 in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday, October 29, to set up a quarter-final showdown with the South American side.

The midfielder was particularly delighted with the victory, describing the contest against Mexico as a difficult test after studying their opponents ahead of the encounter.

“I am very happy. I expected a tough match because we watched their last match. They are physically fit and we put in our best,” Dunstan said.

The Nigerian youngster also had personal reasons to celebrate, having finally opened her scoring account at the tournament with a crucial goal against Mexico.

Having previously contributed assists without getting on the scoresheet, Dunstan admitted that finding the net was a moment she had been looking forward to since the competition began.

“I am very happy because since we started the competition I haven’t scored. I only gave assists. I believed I would score, and today I have a goal,” she added.

Her goal arrived in the 71st minute, when she finished from close range to double Nigeria’s advantage after Oluebube Umejiaku had opened the scoring in the 40th minute.

Dunstan explained that the early breakthrough gave her the confidence to keep pushing forward and believe she could make another decisive contribution.

“The first goal gave me the courage to play and believe that when the ball comes again, I can score or give an assist,” she said.

Nigeria eventually secured a 2-1 victory despite Mexico’s late response, with the Flamingos holding on under pressure to book their place in the last eight.

Attention has now shifted to Venezuela, who defeated Germany 1-0 to earn their quarter-final ticket and will provide another major test for the Nigerian youngsters.

Dunstan acknowledged the quality of the South Americans but insisted that Nigeria have the ability and collective strength to overcome them.

The midfielder also promised that the Flamingos would give their best in the quarter-final as they pursue a place in the last four.

“Venezuela are good. I would not say they are not good, but with what we have, we can win them,” she declared.

“We will put in our best in the quarter-final and make sure we qualify for the semi-final,” she said.

The Nigeria-Venezuela encounter is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, with a semi-final place at stake.