Newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, Akeem Ishola Busari, has invited 36 players for the second round of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In a statement released on Friday, the Nigeria Football Federation said the selected players will prosecute a two-legged tie against the winner of the first-round fixture between Niger and Guinea.

The squad is headlined by Bayelsa Queens forward Harmony Chidi, alongside experienced attacker Queen Joseph and goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu. Also included are Shakirat Sarafa of Remo Stars Ladies and Dorathy Noel Ndaks of Nasarawa Amazons.

The 36-player list comprises five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards. The Flamingos will play the first leg away between May 22 and 24, before hosting the return leg in Nigeria on May 30.

To strengthen the team’s technical capacity, the NFF also confirmed the appointment of three backroom staff to support Busari, who recently succeeded Bankole Olowookere. Joy Jegede-Idakwo, Aighewi Omodiaghe, and Kola Ige have been appointed as first assistant coach, second assistant coach, and goalkeepers’ trainer respectively. Their appointments were approved by the NFF Executive Committee following recommendations from its Technical and Development Committee.

Victory in the second round will see Nigeria advance to the final qualifying stage, where four teams will emerge to represent Africa alongside host nation Morocco.

Flamingos Squad for Morocco 2026 Qualifiers

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). (Daily Trust)

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