BREAKING: Busari Sticks With Adegbuyi-Umejiaku Combo In Crucial Tie Against Venezuela

**As Nigeria Goes On Offensive In Q/finals Clash

From Harry Awurumibe, Live in Morocco

Nigeria’s Flamingos head coach Busari Hakeem Ishola has decided to keep faith with the front trio of Oluebube Umejiaku, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Queen Joseph in today’s 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals clash against Venezuela at Pitch 4 of Mohammed VI Football Complex, Salé, Rabat billed for 6 pm Morocco time (7 pm Nigerian time), Prompt News reports.

This is even as he is also sticking to the 4-3-3 tactical formation his players are more familiar with which has given his team three back to back victories in the 2-0 defeat of Puerto Rico and 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea and another 2-1 defeat of Mexico in the Round of 16 stage last week.

In line with the age-long held view of not changing a winning team, Busari will have reliable goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho between the sticks and will be shielded by back four featuring stand-in captain Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Rodiat Yusuf.

The midfield will be marshalled by Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu and Mary Dunstan who scored a beautiful goal against Mexico in the Round of 16 match last Thursday to give Nigeria a two goals lead before Mexico reduced the deficit in the added minutes of the encounter.

With the Flamingos’ startlist unchanged in the last two matches Nigeria scored more than two goals, it is expected that the players will play against Venezuela with a lot of confidence and understanding which will likely translate to outscoring their opponents when they clash on Sunday evening in Rabat for the precious semi-finals ticket to keep their hope of a podium finish alive.

For Nigeria Sunday’s encounter is more than a quarter-final match as it is an opportunity to return to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2022 and create another memorable African chapter in Nigeria’s youth women’s football history.

In fact, Flamingos’ attacking options, recent form and growing confidence should give Nigerians reason to believe their team can progress to the next stage.

Nigeria’s Starting XI In
4-3-3 Formation vs Venezuela:

1. Jane Ijirigho (GK)
2. Azeezat Oduntan
3. Ohunene Sunday
4. Esther Stephen
5. Rodiat Yusuf
6. Favour Nkwocha
7. Mary Dunstan
8. Tosin Rafiu
9. Queen Joseph
10. Oluebube Umejiaku
11. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi

SUBSTITUTES:
1. Harmony Chidi
2. Precious Oscar
3. Awawu Bashiru
4. Sakirat Sarafa
5. Onyinyechi Opara (GK)
6. Akanji Kaosarat
7. Elizabeth Adesuyi
8. Ayomide Rotimi
9. Mercy Felix (GK)
10. Pattra Oparanmegwa.