Morocco 2026: Flamingos Depart Abuja for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as Busari Names 21 Players
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart Abuja on Wednesday morning for Morocco as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Akeem Busari has named a 21-player squad for the tournament, which kicks off on October 17 and runs until November 7.
Captain Harmony Chidi leads the squad, with the Bayelsa Queens forward expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in Morocco. She will be joined in the forward line by Tosin Rafiu, Oluebube Umejiaku, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR.
The Flamingos will begin their campaign against Poland on October 17, before facing Puerto Rico on October 20. Their final group fixture comes against Korea DPR on October 23.
The squad comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.
Flamingos’ 21-Player Squad
Goalkeepers: Jane Ijirigho (Nasarawa Amazons), Mercy Felix (Obosa FA), Onyinyechi Opara (Delta Queens).
Defenders: Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens), Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies), Chidera Oparanmegwa (Delta Queens), Azeezat Oduntan (Robo Queens), Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons), Rodiat Yusuf (Robo Queens), Kaosarat Akanji (Dreamstar Ladies).
Midfielders: Awawu Bashiru (Confluence Queens), Mary Dustan (Imo Strikers), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy), Favour Nkwocha (Robo Queens), Shakirat Tobiloba (Remo Stars Ladies).
Forwards: Tosin Rafiu (Robo Queens), Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens), Oluebube Umejiaku (Heartland Queens), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Precious Oscar (Edo Queens), Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (Robo Queens).
Nigeria will be looking to build on the Flamingos’ strong record at the global age-grade tournament after claiming the bronze medal in 2022.
The 2026 edition in Morocco will feature 24 teams, with Nigeria aiming to make another deep run on the world stage.
With the team scheduled to leave Abuja on Wednesday morning, Busari and his players will now turn their attention fully to Morocco and their opening Group B assignment against Poland.
