
Nigeria’s U17 girls team, the Flamingos, have started preparations with 36 players invited to camp ahead of their second round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
New head coach Akeem Ishola Busari has put together the squad as attention shifts to the winner of the first round tie between Niger Republic and Guinea.
The two sides will meet in the opening round, with the winner going on to face Nigeria in the next stage.
The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 edition of the competition, are scheduled to host the first leg of the second round qualifier between 22 and 24 May, while the return leg will be played on 30 May.
The 36 players called up are made up of five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards.
They are drawn from different clubs and academies across the country as the new technical team begins shaping the group.
Busari, who has taken over from Bankole Olowookere, is starting his spell with the aim of guiding the team to World Cup qualification and keeping Nigeria competitive at youth level.
The Nigeria Football Federation Nigeria Football Federation has also brought in fresh hands to the technical crew.
Former international Joy Jegede-Idakwo has been named first assistant coach, while Aighewi Omodiaghe takes up the role of second assistant.
Ex-international Kola Ige has also been appointed as goalkeepers’ trainer.
All three will work under Busari as the Flamingos continue their build-up to the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for 17 October to 7 November.
The target is simple, qualification first, then a push to go beyond their third-place finish at the last edition.




