NFF unveils 36-player Flamingos squad for U-17 women’s World Cup qualifiers

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a 36-player provisional squad for the Flamingos ahead of their second-round qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, Sport360NG reports. 

Head coach Akeem Busari, recently appointed to lead the team, has named a balanced squad comprising five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards as preparations intensify for the decisive fixture against either Niger Republic or Guinea.

Both countries are set to face off in the first round, with the winner progressing to meet Nigeria in the next phase. Niger Republic will host the first leg this weekend, while the return leg is scheduled for Conakry the following weekend.

The victor of that encounter will then host Nigeria between May 22 and 24, before the Flamingos play the return leg at home on May 30.

Busari’s selection signals the start of a new chapter for the Flamingos following his appointment, as he takes over from Bankole Olowookere and assembles a squad largely drawn from domestic clubs.

Among those invited are goalkeepers Dorathy Ndaks, Sylvia Echefu, Abidemi Aiyeolowo, Amarachi Atulayo and Rita Anthony.

The defensive unit includes Sefiat Idris, Veronica Kefas, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Chioma James, Azeezat Oduntan, Justina Godwin, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Fakoya Akinola, Esther Enne and God’s-Gift Afigbediotor.

In midfield, Shakirat Sarafa, Deborah Olayiwola, Tosin Tiamiyu, Fidel Pepple, Favour Etim, Blessing Sunday, Oluwatosin Yusuf, Awawu Bashiru, Endurance Omoroka, Ogaga Adams, Memunat Rotimi, Anesthesia Akwubo and Busayo Ogunlede have been selected.

The attacking options include Harmony Chidi, Aminat Abiodun, Mary Dustan, Patricia Habila, Kindness Ifeanyi, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Queen Joseph and Istifanus Shavih.

The NFF also announced additions to the technical crew, with former Nigeria international Joy Jegede-Idakwo appointed as first assistant coach, while Aighewi Omodiaghe takes up the role of second assistant. Former international goalkeeper Kola Ige has been named goalkeepers’ trainer.

Jegede-Idakwo, a former captain of the Falconets, also represented the Super Falcons, while Omodiaghe featured in Nigeria’s squad at the inaugural edition of the competition in 2008.

The coaching staff will support Busari as the Flamingos target qualification for the tournament, scheduled to hold in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Nigeria will be aiming to surpass their third-place finish at the 2022 edition as preparations begin in camp ahead of the qualifiers.