Akeem Busari Unleash Harmony, Kemi Adegbuyi, Kaosara, 17; Others as WAFU-B U-17 Women Gets Underway
Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Abidjan ahead of the second WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, with coach Hakeem Busari set to unleash a 20-player squad featuring promising youngsters such as Harmony Chidi, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kaosarat Akanji.
The tournament, scheduled for September 15–28 in Yamoussoukro, will provide Nigeria with valuable competitive preparation ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Busari has selected a balanced squad of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards for the regional competition, with the Flamingos aiming to build momentum before the global showpiece.
Nigeria are one of Africa’s four representatives at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. The Flamingos have been drawn in Group B alongside North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland, with the tournament scheduled for October 17 to November 8.
The Flamingos were originally scheduled to open their WAFU-B campaign against Ghana’s Princesses, but following Benin Republic’s withdrawal from the competition, Nigeria will now face Niger Republic in their opening fixture on Wednesday.
The revised schedule means the eagerly anticipated Nigeria-Ghana clash will now take place on Saturday.
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire will face Togo on Tuesday, while Ghana take on Burkina Faso in the other opening-day fixture. On Friday, Togo will battle Niger Republic before Burkina Faso confront the hosts.
For Busari and his young squad, the tournament represents an important opportunity to assess the team, build cohesion and give emerging talents such as Bayelsa Queens forward Harmony Chidi, FC Robo Queens attacker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Dream Star Ladies midfielder Kaosarat Akanji a platform to make their mark.
With the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup only weeks away, the Flamingos will be looking to turn their WAFU-B campaign into a strong final rehearsal for their global challenge.
Flamingos Squad at a Glance
Goalkeepers: Onyinyechi Opara (Delta Queens), Ifesinachi Iloh (Solo Wonders Academy), Mercy Felix (Obosa Academy).
Defenders: Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens), Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies), Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens), Chidera Oparanmegwa (Bayelsa Queens), Temitope Ogunbunmi (Soccer Talent FC), Chisom Chukwuemeka (Diamond Stars Academy).
Midfielders: Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy), Mary Dunstan (Bayelsa Queens), Adeola Bashiru (Confluence Queens), Kaosarat Akanji (Dream Star Ladies), Ebunoluwa Akinola (Unstoppable Academy).
Forwards: Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens), Oluebube Umejiaku (Heartland Queens), Sakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies), Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (FC Robo Queens), Destiny Itobore (Delta Queens).
