Busari Reveals Flamingos Squad For U17 Women’s World Cup, Team Departs For Morocco Wednesday
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria will begin their quest for honours at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with Head Coach Akeem Busari naming a 21-player squad for the tournament.
The Nigerian delegation is scheduled to jet out of the country on Wednesday, October 7, ahead of the competition, which runs from October 17 to 8 November in Morocco.
Captain Harmony Chidi headlines the squad alongside defenders Elizabeth Adesuyi, Esther Stephen, midfielders Mary Dustan, Muinat Rotimi, Favour Nkwocha, while Tosin Rafiu, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi are among the attacking options.
Nigeria, who won the bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, have been drawn in Group B and will begin their campaign against Poland on October 17.
The Flamingos will then face Puerto Rico on October 20 before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against North Korea on October 23.
Busari has retained a balanced squad comprising three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards, with players drawn from several clubs and academies across the country.
21 FLAMINGOS FOR 2026 FIFA U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
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).
