Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 36‑player squad unveiled by new Head Coach Akeem Busari, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed fresh technical appointments to back his tenure.
According to the NFF press release, Busari’s call‑up draws talent from clubs across the country, mixing youth prospects with players from established sides such as Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, FC Robo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, and Heartland Queens.
In goal, the team will rely on Dorathy Noel Ndaks of Nasarawa Amazons, Sylvia Echefu of Bayelsa Queens, Abidemi Aiyeolowo of Remo Stars Ladies, Amarachi Atulayo of Heartland Queens, and Rita Anthony of Confluence Queens.
Meanwhile, the defence is anchored by Sefiat Idris of Bayelsa Queens, Veronica Kefas of Plateau United Ladies, Pattra Oparanmegwa of Delta Queens, Chioma James of Imo Strikers, Azeezat Oduntan of FC Robo Queens, Justina Godwin of Kwara United Ladies, Kanyinsola Yusuf of FC Robo Queens, Fakoya Akinola of Ekiti Queens, Esther Enne of Unification FC, and God’s‑Gift Afigbediotor of Ibom Angels.
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In midfield, Busari has chosen Shakirat Sarafa of Remo Stars Ladies, Deborah Olayiwola of Bayelsa Queens, Tosin Tiamiyu of FC Robo Queens, Fidel Pepple of Pacesetter Queens, Favour Etim of Nasarawa Amazons, Blessing Sunday of Confluence Queens, Oluwatosin Yusuf of Nasarawa Amazons, Awawu Bashiru of Confluence Queens, Endurance Omoroka of Ekiti Queens, Ogaga Adams of Delta Queens, Memunat Rotimi of Nakamura Academy, Anaesthesia Akwubo of Ahudiyannem FC, and Busayo Ogunlede of Goalright Academy.
Up front, the attack will be led by Harmony Chidi of Bayelsa Queens, Aminat Abiodun of Pacesetter Queens, Mary Dustan of Imo Strikers, Patricia Habila of Fosla Academy, Kindness Ifeanyi of Bayelsa Queens, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi of FC Robo Queens, Queen Joseph of Fosla Academy, and Istifanus Shavih of Youth Arise FC.
The federation also confirmed a new technical crew to support Busari. Former Super Falcons defender Joy Jegede‑Idakwo was named first assistant coach, Aighewi Omodiaghe appointed second assistant, and ex‑international Kola Ige as goalkeeper trainer.
Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup, will face the winner of Niger Republic versus Guinea in the second round of qualifiers.
The first leg is scheduled for May 22–24, with the return leg in Nigeria on May 30.
With Busari at the helm, a refreshed squad, and a strengthened technical bench, the Flamingos are aiming to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and improve on their third‑place finish at the last edition.
