Nigeria’s Flamingos have named an unchanged starting XI for their historic 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final against Japan, Bold sports reports.
Head coach Akeem Busari has kept faith with the players who delivered a 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil. Japan, meanwhile, have made four changes to their starting team ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Rabat, Morocco.
The two nations will meet on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm Moroccan time (7:30 pm Nigerian time).
Flamingos retain winning team against Japan
Nigeria enter the final following an impressive 3-1 triumph over Brazil. Queen Joseph opened the scoring before Awawu Bashiru struck twice to secure the victory.
More Read
Bashiru retains her starting position after delivering a match-winning performance in the semi-final. She initially entered the starting team as a replacement for the slightly injured Tosin Rafiu.
Captain Azeezat Oduntan will continue to lead the Nigerian defence. Busari has opted against making any changes to the team that secured the country’s historic place in the final.
Nigeria’s starting XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jane Ijirigho | Goalkeeper |
| 3 | Azeezat Oduntan (C) | Captain |
| 5 | Ohunene Sunday | — |
| 13 | Esther Stephen | — |
| 19 | Kanyinsola Yusuf | — |
| 8 | Mary Dunstan | — |
| 10 | Favour Nkwocha | — |
| 11 | Awawu Bashiru | — |
| 7 | Queen Joseph | — |
| 14 | Oluwakemi Adegbuyi | — |
| 17 | Oluebube Umejiaku | — |
Nigeria’s substitutes
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 16 | Onyinyechi Opara |
| 21 | Mercy Felix |
| 2 | Elizabeth Adesuyi |
| 6 | Pattra Oparanmegwa |
| 4 | Muinat Rotimi |
| 12 | Tosin Rafiu |
| 15 | Precious Oscar |
| 20 | Kaosarat Akanji |
| 9 | Chidera Chidi Harmony |
| 18 | Sakirat Sarafa |
Japan make four changes to starting line-up
Japan have also confirmed their team for the championship encounter, with four alterations from their semi-final selection.
Wara Shimizu, Sayana Oshita, Rara Higuchi and Yuka Kishida have earned starting positions. They replace Anri Ito, Himari Nishi, Keiko Kitajima and Nanami Kurita.
Japan reached the final after a dramatic encounter against Korea DPR. The match finished 1-1 after normal time before Japan secured a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout.
Captain Honoka Yotsumoto retains her place as Japan chase their second FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Japan’s starting XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Kou Kadowaki | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Wara Shimizu | — |
| 4 | Honoka Yotsumoto (C) | Captain |
| 6 | Sana Morota | — |
| 16 | Sayana Oshita | — |
| 7 | Rara Higuchi | — |
| 8 | Harura Matsushita | — |
| 9 | Yuka Kishida | — |
| 10 | Fuki Ito | — |
| 18 | Mashiro Yamaji | — |
| 14 | Mei Hanashiro | — |
Japan’s substitutes
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mikan Yamanaka |
| 12 | Riruha Wakatsuki |
| 3 | Anri Ito |
| 5 | Himari Nishi |
| 11 | Asuka Tanaka |
| 15 | Keiko Kitajima |
| 13 | Runa Sumiya |
| 17 | Arisu Ota |
| 19 | Kotone Sato |
| 20 | Nanami Kurita |
How to watch Japan vs Nigeria
The final takes place on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Kick-off is set for 6:30 pm local time, corresponding to 7:30 pm in Nigeria.
Nigeria will aim to crown their historic campaign with a maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. Japan, meanwhile, will look to add another championship to their previous triumph.
The Flamingos have already secured their best-ever finish in the competition. However, victory against Japan would take Nigerian women’s youth football to another historic milestone.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
