Nigeria Flamingos: Coach Busari Invites 25 for 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Final Camp

Nigeria U17 women’s national team head coach Akeem Busari has invited 25 players to camp in Abuja as the Flamingos begin the final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 17 October to 7 November 2026, with Nigeria among the teams set to compete for the global title.

The invited players have been directed to report to Abuja, on Sunday, 30 August 2026, for the first phase of the team’s final camping programme, according to the Nigeria Football Federation.

Nigeria booked its place at the finals after defeating Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate in the final round of the African qualifying campaign. That victory secured Nigeria a place at a ninth FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

25 players called up

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards.

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).

A familiar presence on the world stage

The Flamingos have been a regular presence at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in 2008. Nigeria missed only the 2018 tournament in Uruguay.

Their best result came in 2022, when they finished third. They also reached the quarter-finals in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2024, while they exited at the group stage in 2008 and 2016 and reached the Round of 16 in 2025. FIFA records Nigeria’s best performance as third place in 2022.

Nigeria’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup record:

• 2008: Group stage

• 2010: Quarter-finals

• 2012: Quarter-finals

• 2014: Quarter-finals

• 2016: Group stage

• 2018: Did not qualify

• 2022: Third place

• 2024: Quarter-finals

• 2025: Round of 16

The Flamingos will now turn their attention to preparations in Abuja as Busari works towards assembling the final squad for Morocco.

Nigeria’s qualification campaign had already produced some impressive results, including an 11-0 aggregate win over Guinea in the second round, before the Flamingos overcame Benin Republic in the final qualifying round.

With another World Cup appearance secured, the focus is now on ensuring the team arrives in Morocco fully prepared to build on Nigeria’s strong history in the competition.