According to a post shared on the Super Falcons’ official X account on Friday, November 6, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos have maintained their key players in the starting lineup for the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against Japan in Rabat.

With the Nigerian team on the verge of making history, head coach Akeem Ishola Busari has opted to maintain the squad that secured the country’s place in the final, demonstrating confidence in the players who have delivered impressive performances throughout the competition.

One of the major decisions was his decision to retain Nigeria’s attacking trio of Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru.

The three forwards have each scored twice at the tournament, making them Nigeria’s joint-leading goalscorers. Their contributions have been crucial to the Flamingos’ impressive campaign, particularly in their victories over difficult opponents, including South Korea.

Rather than rotate his attacking options or rest any of the players ahead of the decisive encounter, Busari has chosen to keep the trio together. Their understanding, movement and ability to find the back of the net remain important strengths Nigeria will need against Japan.

Another significant aspect of the coach’s selection is his decision to maintain the core of the team that secured qualification for the final.

Having seen the players perform under pressure and deliver when it mattered most, Busari has avoided making unnecessary changes to the squad. His decision reflects confidence in their ability to execute the team’s approach against another challenging opponent.

The players are already familiar with one another’s movements and responsibilities on the pitch, while their experience playing together has helped establish a rhythm that has carried Nigeria through the tournament.

With the final approaching, Busari appears determined to preserve that understanding and momentum rather than introduce changes that could disrupt the team’s balance at such a crucial stage of the competition.