According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos have suffered a significant setback ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup semi-final clash against Brazil after midfielder Tosin Rafiu was left out of the starting lineup.

Rafiu, who has been an important member of the Nigerian team throughout the competition, was expected to play a key role in the encounter. However, the midfielder has been named among the substitutes instead of being included in the starting eleven, reportedly because of a slight injury.

Her absence from the starting lineup will be a concern for head coach Akeem Busari, considering the importance of the match and the quality of the Brazilian team. Nigeria need their strongest available players as they attempt to secure a historic place in the final.

The midfielder featured in Nigeria's previous knockout encounter against Venezuela, where the Flamingos recorded a narrow 1-0 victory to qualify for the semi-finals. Her experience and contribution in midfield could have been valuable against a technically strong Brazilian side.

Following her omission, Awawu Bashiru has been handed the opportunity to start in her place. Bashiru is the only change to Nigeria's starting lineup, with the other ten players who started against Venezuela retaining their positions.

Although Rafiu will not begin the match, her inclusion among the substitutes offers Nigeria some encouragement. She could still feature during the encounter if her fitness improves and the coaching staff consider her ready to play.

Nigeria will now depend on Bashiru, Mary Dunstan and Favour Nkwocha to provide the creativity, energy and defensive support required in midfield.

Meanwhile, Brazil will enter the contest with confidence after defeating China PR 2-1 in their quarter-final encounter, with Helena scoring both goals to secure their qualification for the last four.

The Flamingos understand that defeating Brazil will require a disciplined performance, especially with a place in the final at stake. Nigeria have already demonstrated their determination throughout the tournament and will be hoping to overcome another difficult opponent.

The semi-final is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM Nigerian time.

Nigeria will be hoping that Rafiu's reported injury is not serious and that she can recover sufficiently to make an impact if introduced.

The major question is whether Awawu Bashiru can deliver an impressive performance in Rafiu's absence and help Nigeria overcome Brazil to move one step closer to winning the U-17 Women's World Cup.