Flamingos Camp: Akeem Busari Invites 36 Players for Morocco 2026 Qualifiers

Newly-appointed Head Coach Akeem Ishola Busari has called up 36 players to camp as Nigeria’s U17 girls’ team, the Flamingos, begin preparations for the next stage of qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Qualification Path

Nigeria will face the winner of the first-round tie between Niger Republic and Guinea.

First round: Niger Republic hosts the first leg, with the return leg in Conakry.

Second round:

First leg: May 22–24, 2026 (away)

Second leg: May 30, 2026 (Nigeria hosts)

The Flamingos, bronze medalists at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, will aim to secure another appearance on the global stage.

New Era Begins

Coach Busari takes over from Bankole Olowookere and begins his tenure with a balanced squad:

5 goalkeepers
10 defenders
13 midfielders
8 forwards

Tournament Details

The 2026 finals will be hosted in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

Full 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)

Nigeria’s Flamingos will be looking to build on their recent global success as they begin a new chapter under Coach Busari, with qualification for Morocco 2026 firmly in sight.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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