Brazil vs Nigeria: Flamingos Make One Change as Both Teams Name Starting XIs for FIFA U-17 World Cup Semi-Final

Nigeria's Flamingos have made one change to their starting line-up for the semi-final against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, while the South Americans have retained the same XI that defeated China PR in the quarter-finals.

Head coach Akeem Busari has handed Awawu Bashiru a starting place in midfield, with Tosin Rafiu moving to the substitutes' bench following Nigeria's 1-0 victory over Venezuela.

The remaining ten players who started against Venezuela have retained their places, including goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho, captain Azeezat Oduntan, Favour Nkwocha, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Brazil coach Rilany, meanwhile, has kept faith with the starting XI that secured a 2-1 victory over China PR in the quarter-finals. Captain Andreyna, Helena, Greise Kelly and Sofia Gamonal all retain their places. The winner will advance to the final, where they will face Japan who have just defeated defending champions DPR Korea 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time to reach the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Japan will face the winner of Brazil vs Nigeria in Saturday's final.

Brazil vs Nigeria: Match Details

Competition: FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026
Stage: Semi-final
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time (6:00 p.m. Morocco time)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco

Nigeria Starting XI

Goalkeeper:

1. Jane Ijirigho

Defenders:
3. Azeezat Oduntan (captain)
5. Ohunene Sunday
13. Esther Stephen
19. Kanyinsola Yusuf

Midfielders:
8. Mary Dunstan
10. Favour Nkwocha
11. Awawu Bashiru

Forwards:
7. Queen Joseph
14. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi
17. Oluebube Umejiaku

Head coach: Akeem Busari

Nigeria Substitutes

• Onyinyechi Opara

• Mercy Felix

• Elizabeth Adesuyi

• Pattra Oparanmegwa

• Muinat Rotimi

• Tosin Rafiu

• Precious Oscar

• Kaosarat Akanji

• Chidera Chidi Harmony

• Sakirat Sarafa

Brazil Starting XI

Goalkeeper:

1. Nathy

Defenders:
2. Isa Rech
4. Yasmin Queiroz
5. Andreyna (captain)
6. Sarah Coelho
15. Marcela Bontorim

Midfielders:
8. Carol Melo
10. Helena
17. Pepe

Forwards:
11. Sofia Gamonal
13. Greise Kelly

Head coach: Rilany

Brazil Substitutes

• Isa Dossena

• Andressa

• Elo

• Leticia Pinho

• Kailanny Ranifah

• Gigi Pires

• Indy

• Nicolly Manuel

• Laura Dupont

• Nany

Flamingos Make One Change to Quarter-Final XI

Nigeria have made one alteration to the team that defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

Awawu Bashiru comes into the starting line-up, taking the place of Tosin Rafiu (likely due to injury), who is named among the substitutes.

The other ten starters remain unchanged, with Busari continuing to rely on the core of the team that secured Nigeria's place in the last four.

Azeezat Oduntan continues as captain, while Jane Ijirigho retains her position in goal. The attacking trio of Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku also keep their places.

Oduntan scored the decisive penalty in the 89th minute against Venezuela to send Nigeria into the semi-finals.

Brazil Retain Winning Starting XI

Brazil have made no changes to the starting line-up that defeated China PR 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Rilany has retained Nathy in goal, with Andreyna continuing as captain. Isa Rech, Yasmin Queiroz and Sarah Coelho also keep their places in the defensive unit.

In attack, Greise Kelly and Sofia Gamonal retain their positions, while Helena, who scored both goals in the quarter-final victory over China PR, is also named in the starting XI.

Brazil will look to their attacking quality and unbeaten record in the tournament as they prepare to face Nigeria.

First FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Final in Sight

Nigeria are appearing in their second semi-final at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, having previously reached the last four in 2022, when they finished third.

The Flamingos have won four of their five matches in Morocco, including victories over DPR Korea, Mexico and Venezuela following their opening defeat to Poland.

Brazil are unbeaten in the competition, recording three wins and two draws. They have scored 17 goals and conceded nine on their way to the semi-finals.

Wednesday's encounter will be the third meeting between both countries at the competition. Brazil won their 2016 meeting 1-0, while their first encounter in 2008 ended in a 2-2 draw.

The stakes are high for both teams, with a place in the final awaiting the winner.

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