According to a post shared on the official Super Falcons X account on Friday, 6 November 2026, Nigeria’s starting lineup for the U-17 Women’s World Cup final was announced.

Nigeria’s Flamingos are one win away from making history. They face Japan today in the final in Rabat, with head coach Akeem Ishola Busari having settled on his team.

Busari has kept faith with the players who brought Nigeria this far, and two choices are particularly notable.

Keeping the attacking trio together

Busari retained Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru in attack. Each has scored twice at the tournament, making them Nigeria’s joint top scorers. Their performances have helped the team overcome difficult opponents, including Korea.

Although some coaches might have rotated their forwards after a demanding campaign, Busari chose not to disrupt a successful partnership. Keeping the trio together preserves Nigeria’s pace, movement and finishing—qualities Japan will need to contain.

Trusting players who have handled pressure

Busari also stuck with the core group that secured Nigeria’s place in the final. Rather than make major changes or introduce fresh players without a clear need, he backed those who had already delivered in high-pressure moments.

The players understand the system and each other’s movement, and they have beaten strong teams with this lineup. Changing it before the final could have disrupted the team’s rhythm.