NFF Unveils Flamingos Squad Ahead of U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

NFF Unveils Flamingos Squad Ahead of U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 36-player squad for the Flamingos ahead of their second-round qualifying fixture for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Newly appointed head coach, Akeem Ishola Busari, named five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards as he begins preparations for the crucial tie. The Flamingos will face the winner of the first-round clash between Niger Republic and Guinea.

Niger Republic are set to host the first leg of their fixture this weekend, with the return leg scheduled for Conakry next weekend. The eventual winner will take on Nigeria—bronze medallists at the 2022 edition—in the second round, with the first leg slated for the weekend of May 22–24. Nigeria will host the return leg on May 30.

The upcoming tournament, which serves as qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, will culminate in the finals scheduled to hold in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Busari’s squad features a blend of talents drawn from clubs across the country, reflecting a broad scouting effort as the team aims to secure qualification and build on its impressive third-place finish at the last edition.

Meanwhile, the NFF has confirmed the appointment of a new technical crew to support Busari. Former Nigeria international defender Joy Jegede-Idakwo has been named first assistant coach, while Aighewi Omodiaghe will serve as second assistant. Kola Ige has been appointed as the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer.

Jegede-Idakwo previously captained the Falconets and earned several caps with the Super Falcons, bringing valuable experience to the technical bench. Omodiaghe was part of Nigeria’s squad at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2008.

The newly constituted coaching team will be tasked with guiding the Flamingos through the qualifiers, with the objective of securing a place at the global tournament and surpassing the team’s bronze medal achievement in 2022.