FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Busari Names 21 Flamingos For Morocco

Nigeria head coach Akeem Busari has named a 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with the Flamingos set to depart the country on Wednesday.

The tournament will be held from 17 October to 7 November, with 24 teams competing for the global title. 

Captain Harmony Chidi headlines the squad, which also includes defenders Elizabeth Adesuyi and Esther Stephen, midfielders Mary Dustan and Favour Nkwocha, and forwards Tosin Rafiu, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

The Nigerian delegation is scheduled to leave the country on Wednesday, 7 October, as preparations intensify for the competition.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR. The Flamingos will open their campaign against Poland on Saturday, 17 October, before facing Puerto Rico on 20 October and Korea DPR on 23 October. 

The Flamingos will be aiming to build on Nigeria’s strong record at the age-grade tournament, having won the bronze medal at the 2022 edition.

The 21-player squad comprises:

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).

The 2026 tournament is the second edition under the expanded 24-team format and will be staged in Morocco.