BTvNEWS

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team begins final preparations ahead of Morocco 2026 World Cup

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Abuja-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, Hakeem Busari, has invited 25 players to commence the team’s first phase of final camping in Abuja ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The global tournament is scheduled to take place from 17th October to 7th November 2026, with Morocco serving as the host nation.

The invited players are expected to report to Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, on Sunday, 30th August 2026, as the Flamingos begin preparations for their campaign at the global tournament.

Nigeria secured its place at the World Cup after defeating the Benin Republic U-17 women’s team home and away in the final round of the African qualification campaign.

The qualification further extended Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition. Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was inaugurated in New Zealand in 2008, the Flamingos have missed only one edition—the 2018 tournament in Uruguay.

The latest invitation brings together players drawn from several clubs and football academies across the country, with Busari expected to use the camping period to assess the players and build a competitive squad for the World Cup.

FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS

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).

The Flamingos will now intensify their preparations in Abuja as they target another strong showing on the world stage and seek to build on Nigeria’s proud history in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.