Nigeria vs Venezuela: Flamingos Name Starting XI for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup Quarter-Final

Nigeria’s Flamingos have named their starting XI for their quarter-final clash against Venezuela at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, retaining the same line-up that started their 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.

Head coach Akeem Busari has kept faith with goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho, captain Azeezat Oduntan and the core of the team that secured Nigeria’s place in the last eight.

Venezuela, meanwhile, have made changes to their starting line-up following their 1-0 victory over Germany. Migleydys Bolsegui comes into the midfield, while Diana Molina and Anabella Figueredo, who started against Germany, are among the substitutes for the quarter-final.

The winner will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either China PR or Brazil.

Nigeria vs Venezuela: Match Details

Competition: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026
Stage: Quarter-final
Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 4, Morocco

Nigeria Starting XI

Formation: 4-1-2-3

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
12. Tosin Rafiu

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

• Awawu Bashiru

• Precious Oscar

• Kaosarat Akanji

• Chidera Chidi

• Sakirat Sarafa

Venezuela Starting XI

Formation: 4-1-2-3

Goalkeeper:
12. Valeria Rebanales (captain)

Defenders:
3. Karla Alfonzo
4. Dariana Medina
6. Abril Alejo
15. Antonella Carmona

Midfielders:
5. Migleydys Bolsegui
7. Juneski Flores
8. Astrid Granadillo
14. Ariana Ojeda

Forwards:
9. Diana Bravo
10. Andrea Suarez

Head coach: Dayana Frias

Venezuela Substitutes

• Gabriela Fermin

• Roxandrys Torres

• Mariangeles Avila

• Diana Molina

• Valery Nunez

• Constanza Martins

• Natalia Bermudez

• Orliany Duran

• Anabella Figueredo

• Mara Briceno

Venezuela Make Changes After Germany Victory

Venezuela enter the quarter-final following a 1-0 victory over Germany, with Diana Bravo scoring the decisive goal in the fifth minute.

Compared with the starting XI used against Germany, Venezuela have made three changes:

• Migleydys Bolsegui comes into the starting line-up.

• Diana Molina moves to the substitutes’ bench.

• Anabella Figueredo also moves to the bench.

Antonella Carmona remains in the starting XI, while Diana Bravo and Andrea Suarez continue to lead the attack.

Venezuela will hope their revised line-up can maintain the momentum from their win over Germany, who had finished top of Group E with nine points.

Flamingos Retain Winning Line-Up

Nigeria have made no changes to the starting XI that defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16.

Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scored Nigeria’s goals in that match, helping the Flamingos advance to the quarter-finals. Goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho also made important saves, including tipping Kemberly Garcia’s long-range effort onto the crossbar.

Nigeria previously defeated DPR Korea 3-1 in their final group match. Another victory would take the Flamingos into the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.

A win in regular time would also give Nigeria a personal best of four victories in regular time at a single edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Venezuela Pose Another Knockout Challenge

Venezuela reached the quarter-finals by eliminating Germany 1-0. Bravo’s early goal proved decisive as Venezuela protected their lead to secure a place in the last eight.

Earlier in the group stage, Venezuela defeated Zambia 3-2, with Andrea Suarez scoring the winner in stoppage time. Their ability to produce decisive moments could make them dangerous opponents for Nigeria.

The Flamingos will need to be alert defensively while making the most of their attacking opportunities against a side that has already eliminated one of the tournament’s group winners.

Semi-Final Place at Stake

The winner of Nigeria versus Venezuela will advance to the semi-finals to face either China PR or Brazil.

With kick-off approaching, Nigeria will aim to continue their winning run, while Venezuela seek another upset after eliminating Germany.

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