According to a report by ESPN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos have confirmed their starting lineup for their opening Group B encounter against Poland at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Captain Chidi Harmony will lead the Nigerian team as they begin their campaign against the European side, with head coach Akeem Busari selecting a starting eleven expected to compete for a positive result in Rabat.

The Flamingos will be hoping to start the tournament on a winning note as they seek to progress beyond the round of 16, where they were eliminated in the previous edition after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy. Nigeria will also be looking to build on their impressive performances during the qualifying campaign and their triumph at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls' Championship.

Nigeria's Confirmed Starting XI Against Poland

Goalkeeper: Jane Ijirigho.

Defenders: Elizabeth Adesuyi, Azeezat Oduntan and Ohunene Sunday.

Midfielders: Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Chidi Harmony (captain) and Favour Nkwocha.

Forwards: Tosin Rafiu, Esther Stephen and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Captain Harmony will be one of the key players to watch as Nigeria look to make a strong impression in their opening fixture. The forward has previous experience at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and returns to the competition with the responsibility of leading her teammates.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Tosin Rafiu and Esther Stephen will also be expected to contribute to Nigeria's attacking efforts, while the midfielders will need to help the team maintain possession and create opportunities against a Poland side that reached the quarter-finals at the 2024 edition.

Poland will provide a challenging opening test for the Flamingos, having secured their place in the tournament through the UEFA qualifying playoffs. The European team will equally be determined to begin their campaign with a positive result.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The outcome of the opening match could prove important as the Flamingos pursue qualification for the knockout stages.

The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with the Nigerian team hoping their confirmed starting eleven can deliver a convincing performance.

With Harmony wearing the captain's armband, attention will be on whether the Flamingos can translate their preparations into a strong opening display and secure the three points against Poland.