Five Falconets Rejoin Flamingos as Preparations Intensify for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos have received a timely boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with five players returning to camp after representing the Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The returning players are Queen Joseph, Favour Nkwocha, Precious Oscar, Tosin Rafiu and Jane Ijirigho, all of whom bring recent experience of high-level international competition to Akeem Busari’s squad.

The Falconets reached the quarter-finals in Poland, defeating England 3–0 in the Round of 16 before losing narrowly to Colombia. Their return strengthens a Flamingos side that has already built considerable momentum ahead of the global tournament.

Joseph, in particular, returns with a proven record in the Flamingos setup. She scored a hat-trick against Benin Republic in the final round of qualifying to help Nigeria secure an 8–5 aggregate victory and World Cup qualification.

Rafiu also made her presence felt in Poland, scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in the 3–0 victory over England.

The five players now rejoin a Flamingos team fresh from winning the WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria won all five matches and capped the campaign with a commanding 4–0 victory over Togo in the final.

The focus now shifts fully to Morocco, where Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR.

The Flamingos begin their campaign against Poland on October 17, before facing Puerto Rico on October 20 and Korea DPR on October 23.

With the tournament only days away, Busari’s squad combines regional success, World Cup experience and a group of players eager to make their mark on the global stage.

For the Flamingos, preparations have entered their final and most important phase.