Nigeria Confirmed Starting Lineup To Face Korea DPR

According to a report by ESPN on Friday, October 23, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos were preparing for a crucial encounter against defending champions Korea DPR in their final Group B match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The confirmed starting lineup for the encounter features goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho and a combination of defensive, midfield and attacking players tasked with helping Nigeria secure qualification for the knockout stage.

The Flamingos head into the decisive fixture after recording mixed results in their opening two matches. Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat against Poland before recovering with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico. Those results have left the Nigerian youngsters needing to avoid defeat against the defending champions to guarantee their progression to the Round of 16.

Nigeria’s head coach, Akeem Busari, will be hoping his players deliver an organised performance against a Korean side that has been particularly impressive throughout the group stage.

Defenders: Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Kanyinsola Yusuf.

Midfielders: Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu.

Forwards: Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

The starting eleven combines defensive stability with attacking options as Nigeria attempt to challenge one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Ijirigho will be responsible for protecting Nigeria’s goal, while Oduntan, Sunday, Stephen and Yusuf are expected to play important roles in containing Korea DPR’s dangerous forwards.

In midfield, Dunstan, Nkwocha and Rafiu will be expected to help Nigeria compete for possession, disrupt the opposition’s passing and create opportunities for the attackers.

Joseph, Adegbuyi and Umejiaku will lead the Nigerian attack, with the trio expected to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way.

The players available on the bench are Onyinyechi Opara, Mercy Felix, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Muinat Rotimi, Awawu Bashiru, Precious Oscar, Kaosarat Akanji, Chidera Chidi and Sakirat Sarafa.

These alternatives could provide Busari with additional options if Nigeria need fresh energy, greater attacking pressure or defensive reinforcement during the encounter.

Korea DPR have demonstrated their quality by winning their opening two matches, including an emphatic victory over Puerto Rico. The defending champions will therefore present a significant challenge for the Flamingos.

A victory or draw against Korea DPR would guarantee Nigeria a place in the Round of 16, while a defeat would leave their qualification hopes dependent on the other Group B result and the applicable tiebreakers.

The match is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Nigeria will now be looking to produce a disciplined performance, make their attacking opportunities count and secure the result needed to continue their World Cup campaign.

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