Nigeria U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, are gearing up for the second-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, with coach Akeem Busari naming Bayelsa Queens forward Harmony Chidi, FC Robo Queens’ Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, and 34 other players, www.aclsports.com reports.
The squad, released by the Nigeria Football Federation, comprises five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards, with most players drawn from the Nigeria Women Football League.
Nigeria will face the winner of the first-round clash between Niger Republic and Guinea. The two sides meet this weekend, with the return leg scheduled for next week in Conakry. The eventual winners will host the Flamingos in the first leg of the second round between May 22 and 24, before Nigeria welcome them for the decisive return leg on May 30.
Busari, who recently succeeded Bankole Olowookere, is set to begin building his own side after his predecessor guided the Flamingos to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, before the team exited in the round of 16 at the 2025 edition.
Squad List
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)
Meanwhile, the NFF has also confirmed additions to Busari’s technical crew, with former internationals Joy Jegede-Idakwo and Aighewi Omodiaghe appointed as first and second assistants respectively, while Kola Ige takes charge of the goalkeepers.
The Flamingos will be targeting another strong outing on the continental stage as they push for a place at this year’s World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for October 17 to November 7.
