Falconets Name Starting XI For Decisive New Caledonia Clash

Nigeria have unveiled their starting lineup for their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F fixture against New Caledonia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.

In a post by Nigerian journalsit, Victor Ademola, the Falconets have made several changes to their lineup as they target the victory needed to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.

Uzoma Captains Nigeria

Christiana Uzoma keeps her position between the posts and will lead the Falconets as captain.

Nigeria will operate with three defenders, with Onyedikachi Ekezie, Jumai Adebayo and Tumininu Adeshina forming the backline.

Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Tosin Rafiu and Rebecca Adegbemile have been handed starting roles in midfield.

Queen Joseph, Ramotalahi Kareem and Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei will lead the attack.

Read Also: Falconets Face Must-Win New Caledonia Clash With Round of 16 Qualification in Sight

Janet, who became available after resolving her club documentation issues, retains her place in the starting lineup as Nigeria seek their first goal of the tournament.

Key Changes For The Falconets

Nigeria’s selection reflects the challenges faced by the team ahead of the decisive encounter.

Precious Oscar misses the match through suspension after picking up the required number of yellow cards during the group stage, while Hannah Ibrahim is unavailable due to injury.

Their absence has opened the door for Favour Nkwocha to start, while Tumininu Adeshina comes into the defence and Ramotalahi Kareem gets the nod in attack.

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

Head coach Moses Aduku will have Abdullahi Mansur and Efioanwan Ekpo as his assistants.

New Caledonia’s Starting XI

New Caledonia have also announced their lineup for their final Group F fixture.

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

Kheimera Gondou, Alesie Adjou and Deyanera Michel will operate in midfield, with Juila Honakoko, Joceline Kourevi and Joyce Angexetine selected in attack.

Muneiko Waheo, Kelia Golitin, Emmanuelle Buama, Laurenda Simane, Valerie Ngazo, Lili Waheo, Matha Bako, Aziliz Naaoutchoue and Kane Dralu are named among the substitutes.

Leon Waitronyie is the New Caledonia head coach, assisted by Nadia Wathe.

The Task For Nigeria

The Falconets head into their final group game with just one point from two matches, having suffered a 2–0 defeat against Spain before playing out a goalless draw with China PR.

New Caledonia, meanwhile, have lost both of their matches and are yet to score, while conceding 16 goals.

Nigeria therefore know exactly what is required — victory.

A win would move the Falconets to four points and give them a chance of advancing to the Round of 16.

The match is scheduled to begin 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.