By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed a 36-player squad for the Under-17 girls’ national team, the Flamingos, as newly appointed Head Coach Akeem Ishola Busari begins preparations for the second round of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Busari, who recently took over from Bankole Olowookere, has selected a balanced mix of five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards ahead of next month’s crucial fixture against either Niger Republic or Guinea.
The first round tie between Niger Republic and Guinea gets underway this weekend, with the return leg scheduled for next weekend in Conakry. The eventual winner will face Nigeria in the second round, with the first leg slated for May 22–24, while the Flamingos will host the decisive return fixture on May 30.
Nigeria’s Under-17 girls head into the qualifiers with confidence, having secured a historic third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Busari will be aiming not only to secure qualification but also to build a squad capable of surpassing that milestone at this year’s tournament.
The 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
Coaching Crew Reinforced
In a move to strengthen the technical setup, the NFF has also confirmed the appointments of experienced former internationals to Busari’s backroom staff.
Joy Jegede-Idakwo has been named first assistant coach, while Aighewi Omodiaghe takes up the role of second assistant. Kola Ige will serve as the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer.
Jegede-Idakwo, a former captain of the Falconets and Super Falcons defender, brings leadership and international experience, while Omodiaghe was part of Nigeria’s squad at the inaugural FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2008.
Full Squad Breakdown
The invited players include top prospects drawn from clubs and academies across the country, reflecting the NFF’s continued commitment to youth development in women’s football.
With preparations now underway, attention shifts to the upcoming qualifiers, where the Flamingos will look to assert their pedigree and secure another appearance on the global stage.
