Nigeria’s Flamingos name 21-player squad for 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria have confirmed a 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with head coach Hakeem Busari set to lead the Flamingos into another bid for global honours.

Busari has assembled a balanced squad comprising three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards as Nigeria prepare for a demanding Group B campaign.

Jane Ijirigho, Mercy Felix and Onyinyechi Opara have been selected as the three goalkeeping options, with Busari placing his trust in a defensive unit that includes Elizabeth Adesuyi, Esther Stephen, Chidera Oparanmegwa, Azeezat Oduntan, Opeyemi Sunday, Rodiat Yusuf and Kaosarat Akanji.

The midfield has five players, with Awawu Bashiru, Mary Dustan, Muinat Rotimi, Favour Nkwocha and Shakirat Tobiloba included in the final squad.

Up front, Busari has six attacking options available for the tournament. Tosin Rafiu, Harmony Chidi, Oluebube Umejiaku, Queen Joseph, Precious Oscar and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi will lead Nigeria’s attacking efforts in Morocco.

The squad announcement comes after the Flamingos produced an entertaining victory over Ghana in a six-goal thriller a few days ago, giving Busari and his players further preparation ahead of their World Cup assignment.

Poland first up for Nigeria

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea.

Nigeria will open their campaign against Poland on October 17, facing an immediate test as they begin their quest to progress from the group stage.

They will then take on Puerto Rico before completing their group-stage schedule against North Korea, who arrive in Morocco as the reigning champions.

The tournament itself gets underway on October 17, with Germany facing Argentina and North Korea taking on Puerto Rico in the opening matches.

Nigeria will be hoping their latest generation can build on the country’s strong record in the competition.

Flamingos chasing another deep run

The 2026 tournament will mark Nigeria’s ninth appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos’ best finish came at the 2022 edition in India, where they secured third place. Nigeria have also reached the quarterfinals on four occasions, underlining their consistency at the global youth tournament.

The Flamingos will be one of five African nations competing at the finals in Morocco. Hosts Morocco, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia will join Nigeria as representatives of the continent.

With a mixture of returning campaigners and emerging young talent, Busari’s squad now has its sights firmly set on Morocco.

The immediate objective will be to navigate a challenging group before attempting to match or surpass the country’s previous best finish.

For Nigeria, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase the depth of their women’s football development, with a new generation preparing to take centre stage.

Nigeria’s 21-player Flamingos squad

Goalkeepers

• Jane Ijirigho
• Mercy Felix
• Onyinyechi Opara

Defenders

• Elizabeth Adesuyi
• Esther Stephen
• Chidera Oparanmegwa
• Azeezat Oduntan
• Opeyemi Sunday
• Rodiat Yusuf
• Kaosarat Akanji

Midfielders

• Awawu Bashiru
• Mary Dustan
• Muinat Rotimi
• Favour Nkwocha
• Shakirat Tobiloba

Forwards

• Tosin Rafiu
• Harmony Chidi
• Oluebube Umejiaku
• Queen Joseph
• Precious Oscar
• Oluwakemi Adegbuyi