Newly appointed head coach Akeem Ishola Busari has invited 36 players to the Nigeria U17 women’s team, known as the Flamingos, ahead of their second-round qualifiers for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The team will face the winner of the clash between Niger Republic and Guinea next month.
Busari named a 36-player squad as he begins his tenure with the Flamingos. He recently replaced former coach Bankole Olowookere.
The invitation marks his first major step in preparing the team for international competition. He will aim to build a strong squad capable of continuing Nigeria’s success at youth level.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face either Niger Republic or Guinea in the second round.
Niger Republic will host the first leg of their tie this weekend. The return leg will take place in Conakry next weekend.
The winner of that fixture will host Nigeria in the first leg of the second round between May 22 and 24. The Flamingos will then play the return leg at home on May 30.
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2026 will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
Nigeria will aim to qualify again after finishing third in the 2022 edition.
Busari selected a balanced squad across all positions with 5 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and 8 forwards
This mix gives the coaching staff several options as they prepare for the qualifiers.
Full List of Invited Players
Goalkeepers
Dorathy Noel Ndaks (Nasarawa Amazons); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens); Abidemi Aiyeolowo (Remo Stars Ladies); Amarachi Atulayo (Heartland Queens); Rita Anthony (Confluence Queens)
Defenders
Sefiat Idris (Bayelsa Queens); Veronica Kefas (Plateau United Ladies); Pattra Oparanmegwa (Delta Queens); Chioma James (Imo Strikers); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Justina Godwin (Kwara United Ladies); Kanyinsola Yusuf (FC Robo Queens); Fakoya Akinola (Ekiti Queens); Esther Enne (Unification FC); God’s-Gift Afigbediotor (Ibom Angels)
Midfielders
Shakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies); Deborah Olayiwola (Bayelsa Queens); Tosin Tiamiyu (FC Robo Queens); Fidel Pepple (Pacesetter Queens); Favour Etim (Nasarawa Amazons); Blessing Sunday (Confluence Queens); Oluwatosin Yusuf (Nasarawa Amazons); Awawu Bashiru (Confluence Queens); Endurance Omoroka (Ekiti Queens); Ogaga Adams (Delta Queens); Memunat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Anesthesia Akwubo (Ahudiyannem FC); Busayo Ogunlede (Goalright Academy)
Forwards
Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens); Aminat Abiodun (Pacesetter Queens); Mary Dustan (Imo Strikers); Patricia Habila (Fosla Academy); Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (FC Robo Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Istifanus Shavih (Youth Arise FC)
Overall, the squad reflects a blend of emerging talents from clubs across Nigeria.
As preparations begin, Busari will focus on building team chemistry and tactical discipline. The Flamingos will hope to secure qualification and make another strong impact on the global stage.
