By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a 36-player Flamingos squad for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying camp, as preparations intensify for the Morocco 2026 qualifiers.

The announcement was made on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Nigeria, as newly appointed head coach Akeem Busari begins a fresh era with the national U-17 women’s team.

The squad, drawn from clubs across the domestic league, includes five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards, highlighting a broad talent search aimed at strengthening the team.

The Flamingos will face the winner between Niger Republic and Guinea in the second round of qualifying, with the first leg scheduled for May 22–24 and the return leg on May 30.

The tournament is crucial as Nigeria seeks to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup set for October 17 to November 7, 2026, in Morocco.

The objective is to improve on Nigeria’s third-place finish in the 2022 edition.

Busari, succeeding Bankole Olowookere, is supported by Joy Jegede-Idakwo and Aighewi Omodiaghe as assistant coaches, while former international Kola Ige serves as goalkeepers’ trainer.

The Nigeria Football Federation said the selection process reflects form, fitness, and development potential, as the Flamingos begin camping to build cohesion, tactical discipline, and competitive readiness ahead of the high-stakes qualifiers.

The qualifying journey represents Nigeria’s ambition to maintain dominance in African women’s youth football and secure another global appearance.