Nigeria vs New Caledonia: Falconets Name Starting XI for Crucial U-20 World Cup Clash

Nigeria have named their starting XI for the decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F encounter against New Caledonia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.

The Falconets go into the final group match knowing that a victory is crucial to their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.

Uzoma Captains Nigeria

Christiana Uzoma retains her place in goal and wears the captain’s armband.

The defensive unit features Onyedikachi Ekezie, Jumai Adebayo, Rebecca Adegbemile and Tumininu Adeshina, with Nigeria opting for a three-player defensive setup.

In midfield, Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere and Tosin Rafiu have been selected.

The attacking trio is made up of Queen Joseph, Ramotalahi Kareem and Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei.

Janet, who joined the squad after resolving her club documentation issues, makes another start as Nigeria look to finally open their scoring account at the tournament.

Key Changes for the Falconets

The starting XI reflects the absences Nigeria have had to manage going into the final group game.

Precious Oscar is unavailable after being suspended for accumulating yellow cards during the group stage, while Hannah Ibrahim is also unavailable through injury.

The changes give Favour Nkwocha a starting role, while Tumininu Adeshina comes into the defensive line. Ramotalahi Kareem also starts in attack.

Nigeria have Jane Ijirigho, Bright Effiong Etim, Victory Lucky, Amber Ogbolu, Winner Onajite David, Chisom Nwachukwu, Folajomi Olabiyi and Mary Mamudu available among the substitutes.

Head coach Moses Aduku will be assisted by Abdullahi Mansur and Efioanwan Ekpo.

New Caledonia's Starting XI

New Caledonia also make their selections for their final Group F match.

Elizabeth Aben starts in goal, with Leana Hmae, Kenza Kenon, Shirley Wenessia and Louane Pocoue forming the defensive unit.

Kheimera Gondou, Alesie Adjou and Deyanera Michel are named in midfield, while Juila Honakoko, Joceline Kourevi and Joyce Angexetine lead the attack.

New Caledonia's substitutes are Muneiko Waheo, Kelia Golitin, Emmanuelle Buama, Laurenda Simane, Valerie Ngazo, Lili Waheo, Matha Bako, Aziliz Naaoutchoue and Kane Dralu.

Leon Waitronyie is the New Caledonia head coach, with Nadia Wathe as assistant.

The Task for Nigeria

The Falconets have one point from their opening two matches after a 2–0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China PR.

New Caledonia have lost both of their matches and have conceded 16 goals without scoring.

For Nigeria, however, the focus is simple: win the game.

A victory would take the Falconets to four points and keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.

The match kicks off at 2:00pm WAT in Łódź.

Nigeria Starting XI: Christiana Uzoma (c); Onyedikachi Ekezie, Jumai Adebayo, Tumininu Adeshina; Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Tosin Rafiu, Rebecca Adegbemile; Queen Joseph, Ramotalahi Kareem, Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei.

New Caledonia Starting XI: Elizabeth Aben; Leana Hmae, Kenza Kenon (c), Shirley Wenessia, Louane Pocoue; Kheimera Gondou, Alesie Adjou, Deyanera Michel; Juila Honakoko, Joceline Kourevi, Joyce Angexetine.