Flamingos announce squad for the U17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria have officially named a 21-player Flamingos squad for their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco.

Head coach Hakeem Busari is set to lead a new generation of young Nigerian stars onto the global stage.

The squad is made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards, giving the Flamingos a balanced group as they prepare for a demanding tournament.

Jane Ijirigho, Mercy Felix and Onyinyechi Opara are the three goalkeeping options, while the defensive unit includes Elizabeth Adesuyi, Esther Stephen, Chidera Oparanmegwa, Azeezat Oduntan, Opeyemi Sunday, Rodiat Yusuf and Kaosarat Akanji.

In midfield, Busari has selected Awawu Bashiru, Mary Dustan, Muinat Rotimi, Favour Nkwocha and Shakirat Tobiloba.

The attacking options are Tosin Rafiu, Harmony Chidi, Oluebube Umejiaku, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Nigeria face Poland in opening World Cup test

The Flamingos have been placed in Group B at the World Cup, alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and North Korea. The Hakeem Busari-tutored team will begin their World Cup campaign on October 17 against Poland, before taking on Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage.

The Flamingos are making their ninth appearance at the World Cup, with Nigeria’s best outing at the tournament being a third-placed finish at the 2022 finals in India. Nigeria have also reached the quarterfinals of the U17 Women’s World Cup four times.

Nigeria, who defeated Ghana a few days ago in a 6-goal thriller, are one of five African teams at the World Cup, including hosts Morocco. The others are Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.

The tournament kicks off on October 17 with two opening matches between Germany and Argentina as well as North Korea versus Puerto Rico.

Nigeria: Flamingos squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Goalkeepers

Jane Ijirigho
Mercy Felix
Onyinyechi Opara

Defenders

Elizabeth Adesuyi
Esther Stephen
Chidera Oparanmegwa
Azeezat Oduntan
Opeyemi Sunday
Rodiat Yusuf
Kaosarat Akanji

Midfielders

Awawu Bashiru
Mary Dustan
Muinat Rotimi
Favour Nkwocha
Shakirat Tobiloba

Forwards

Tosin Rafiu
Harmony Chidi
Oluebube Umejiaku
Queen Joseph
Precious Oscar
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi