Head Coach Akeem Ishola Busari has unveiled a 36-player squad for the Nigeria U-17 women’s national team ahead of their second-round qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos are set to face the winner of the first-round clash between Niger Republic and Guinea. While Niger Republic will host the first leg, the reverse fixture is scheduled to take place in Conakry next weekend.
Nigeria, who secured a historic bronze medal at the 2022 edition, will take on the eventual winner over two legs in May. The first leg is billed for May 22–24, with the return fixture scheduled for May 30 in Nigeria.
The invited squad features five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards, marking the beginning of Busari’s tenure following the exit of former head coach Bankole Olowookere.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is slated to hold in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Dorathy Noel Ndaks, Sylvia Echefu, Abidemi Aiyeolowo, Amarachi Atulayo, Rita Anthony
Defenders: Sefiat Idris, Veronica Kefas, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Chioma James, Azeezat Oduntan, Justina Godwin, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Fakoya Akinola, Esther Enne, God’s-Gift Afigbediotor
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Midfielders: Shakirat Sarafa, Deborah Olayiwola, Tosin Tiamiyu, Fidel Pepple, Favour Etim, Blessing Sunday, Oluwatosin Yusuf, Awawu Bashiru, Endurance Omoroka, Ogaga Adams, Memunat Rotimi, Anesthesia Akwubo, Busayo Ogunlede
Forwards: Harmony Chidi, Aminat Abiodun, Mary Dustan, Patricia Habila, Kindness Ifeanyi, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Queen Joseph, Istifanus Shavih
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed additional appointments to the team’s technical crew.
Former Super Falcons defender Joy Jegede-Idakwo has been named first assistant coach, while ex-international Aighewi Omodiaghe will serve as second assistant. Kola Ige takes up the role of goalkeepers’ trainer.
Jegede-Idakwo, a former Falconets captain, enjoyed an accomplished career with the Super Falcons, while Omodiaghe was part of Nigeria’s squad at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008.
The new coaching crew will work alongside Busari as the Flamingos aim to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament and build on their impressive third-place finish in 2022.
