Morocco 2026 Qualifiers: Akeem Busaei invites 36 players to Flamingos camp
A new chapter has opened for Nigeria’s U17 girls’ national team, the Flamingos, as newly-appointed head coach Akeem Ishola Busari named a 36-player squad ahead of next month’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier.
Busari, who takes over from Bankole Olowookere, has cast his net wide with a balanced mix of talent across all departments five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards as he begins his journey with one of Africa’s most exciting youth sides.
Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, will face the winner of the first-round tie between Niger Republic and Guinea. Niger hosts the first leg this weekend, with the return fixture set for Conakry next weekend.
The victor will then welcome the Flamingos for the first leg of the second-round clash between May 22 and 24, before Nigeria hosts the decisive return leg on May 30.
Busari’s squad selection reflects both continuity and fresh opportunity, with standout performers from domestic women’s clubs and academies earning their shot on the international stage. The list features representatives from top sides such as Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, FC Robo Queens, and Delta Queens, underlining the depth of talent within the local game.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reinforced the technical crew with experienced hands to support Busari’s mission. Former Super Falcons defender Joy Jegede-Idakwo steps in as first assistant coach, bringing leadership experience from her days as Falconets captain and senior international.
She will be joined by Aighewi Omodiaghe as second assistant herself, a former U17 international who featured at the inaugural FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2008. Completing the backroom team is Kola Ige, who takes up the role of goalkeepers’ trainer.
Together, the trio will work closely with Busari as the Flamingos aim not only to secure qualification for Morocco 2026 scheduled for October 17 to November 7 but also to go beyond their historic third-place finish achieved in 2022.
With preparations now underway and competition looming, the focus shifts to building a cohesive, fearless side capable of carrying Nigeria’s proud legacy forward on the global stage.
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