By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced a 36-player Flamingos squad. Head coach Akeem Busari released the list on Saturday in Nigeria. The squad will prepare for the second-round qualifiers of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The tournament will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7. Nigeria aims to improve on its third-place finish in 2022.
New Technical Crew Takes Charge
Busari begins a new era after replacing Bankole Olowookere. Meanwhile, the NFF strengthened the coaching team.
Former international Joy Jegede-Idakwo will serve as first assistant coach. In addition, Aighewi Omodiaghe joins as second assistant. Kola Ige will handle goalkeepers.
Jegede-Idakwo once captained the Falconets and played for the Super Falcons. Similarly, Omodiaghe featured in the 2008 edition of the tournament.
Qualification Path Confirmed
Nigeria will face either Niger Republic or Guinea in the second round. Both teams will clash in the first round.
The winner will host Nigeria between May 22 and 24. Afterward, the Flamingos will play the return leg on May 30.
Goalkeepers Selected
Busari picked five goalkeepers to strengthen the squad depth.
- Dorathy Ndaks
- Sylvia Echefu
- Abidemi Aiyeolowo
- Amarachi Atulayo
- Rita Anthony
Defensive Options
The coach selected ten defenders to ensure stability at the back.
- Sefiat Idris
- Veronica Kefas
- Pattra Oparanmegwa
- Chioma James
- Azeezat Oduntan
- Justina Godwin
- Kanyinsola Yusuf
- Fakoya Akinola
- Esther Enne
- God’s-Gift Afigbediotor
Midfield Strength
The midfield unit includes 13 players with energy and creativity.
- Shakirat Sarafa
- Deborah Olayiwola
- Tosin Tiamiyu
- Fidel Pepple
- Favour Etim
- Blessing Sunday
- Oluwatosin Yusuf
- Awawu Bashiru
- Endurance Omoroka
- Ogaga Adams
- Memunat Rotimi
- Anesthesia Akwubo
- Busayo Ogunlede
Attacking Line-Up
The Flamingos will rely on eight forwards for goals.
- Harmony Chidi
- Aminat Abiodun
- Mary Dustan
- Patricia Habila
- Kindness Ifeanyi
- Oluwakemi Adegbuyi
- Queen Joseph
- Istifanus Shavih
Focus on Tournament Preparation
Busari selected players from clubs across Nigeria. The squad reflects a mix of emerging talents and experienced youth players. Therefore, expectations remain high ahead of the qualifiers.
