Flamingos: Busari Invites 26 Players For Final World Cup Camp

Nigeria U17 women’s national team head coach Hakeem Busari has invited 26 players to begin the first phase of the team’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos are scheduled to report to the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, on Sunday, 30 August, as preparations intensify for the tournament, which will be held from 17 October to 7 November.

Nigeria secured its place at the global finals after defeating Benin Republic home and away in the final round of the African qualifying series.

The Flamingos have an impressive record at the U17 Women’s World Cup, having featured in all but one edition since the competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008. Nigeria missed only the 2018 tournament in Uruguay.

Busari has selected three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards for the opening phase of the final camping programme.

The invited players are:

Goalkeepers:
Ifesinachi Iloh (Solo Wonders), Mercy Felix (Obosa FA), Precious John (Pelican Stars).

Defenders:
Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens), Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies), Chidera Oparanmegwa (Bayelsa Queens), Azeezat Oduntan (Robo Queens), Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons), Omelogu Precious (Tophat SC), Christiana Ogunbunmi (Soccer Talent FC), Taiwo Abdulazeez (Dannaz Ladies).

Midfielders:
Kaosarat Akanji (Dreamstar Ladies), Awawu Bashiru (Confluence Queens), Mary Dustan (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura FA), Kate Laniran (Espora Queens), Annabelle Olubajo (Savannah United), Grace Akingboye (Ghetto Tigers), Eniola Abdulquadri (Unstoppable FA).

Forwards:
Adebimpe Kashimawo (Asisat Oshoala FA), Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens), Mmesoma Uchendu (Ibom Angels), Istifanus Shavi (Youth Arise FA), Shakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies), Chisom Chukwuemeka (Diamond Stars).

The camp will provide Busari and his technical crew with an opportunity to assess the players and fine-tune preparations ahead of Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco.

The Flamingos will be aiming to build on Nigeria’s strong tradition at the competition and make another deep run on the global stage.