Nigeria’s U17 Women’s team are in camp under new head coach Akeem Busari as they prepare for a two-legged second round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, targeting another deep run in Morocco later this year.
The Nigeria Football Federation has opened the Flamingos’ qualifying camp with 36 players invited by new head coach Akeem Ishola Busari ahead of their second round fixture in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The competition itself will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 7, and Nigeria are aiming to go one better than their bronze medal finish at the last edition in 2022.
Busari’s squad features a balanced spread of positional options: five goalkeepers, ten defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards. The breadth of the selection reflects a coach still assessing his options rather than one working with a settled group. Supporters of women’s youth football can take advantage of the latest Bet9ja promotion code ahead of Nigeria’s qualifying window.
The Road to Morocco
Nigeria received a bye directly to the second round of qualifying, meaning they will face either Niger Republic or Guinea in a two-legged tie. The first round clash between Niger and Guinea takes place this weekend, with the winners then travelling to face the Flamingos in a second round first leg scheduled between May 22 and 24. Nigeria will then host the return fixture on May 30. The stakes could not be higher for Busari’s squad on their first competitive assignment under his leadership. Fans across Nigeria backing the Flamingos can explore the Bet9ja’s YOHAIG code for an opening bonus before the qualifying ties.
Busari takes over from Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to that historic 2022 bronze medal finish in India. Stepping into that role with an immediate qualifying assignment is a sharp test, and the timing leaves little room for a slow build. The new coaching staff will need to quickly identify a competitive first eleven from the 36-man training group.
What a Return to Morocco Would Mean
The last time the Flamingos competed in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, at the 2024 edition, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 4-0 defeat to Italy, a result that brought their campaign to an abrupt halt. Getting back to Morocco for the 2026 tournament and pushing past that stage is the clearest goal for the programme right now. Nigeria have featured in nine editions of the competition, making them one of the most experienced African nations at the tournament. The Bet9ja welcome bonus is there for new users ahead of the qualifying period.
With the Flamingos set to host the second leg in Abuja at the end of May, home support could prove decisive if the tie is tight after the away first leg. Nigeria’s U17 women have a strong record at home in African qualifying, and the combination of crowd advantage and Busari’s preparation will be key factors heading into both legs.
📌 Did You Know?
- The Flamingos’ bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India was the first time any Nigerian women’s youth team had reached the podium at a global tournament.
- Nigeria have qualified for nine editions of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, making them one of the continent’s most consistent performers at that age grade.
- Akeem Busari was managing Pacesetters Queens Football Club of Ibadan in the Nigeria Women Football League before his appointment as Flamingos head coach.
- Morocco, the host nation of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, also staged the 2022 Women’s AFCON, reflecting the country’s growing investment in women’s football infrastructure.
- Niger Republic and Guinea were drawn together in the first round of qualifying, with the first leg taking place in Niamey and the return fixture in Conakry before a second round tie against Nigeria.
- Bankole Olowookere, Busari’s predecessor, spent several years in charge of the Flamingos and oversaw their historic third-place finish in 2022 before departing the role.
- The 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will see 24 teams compete, with CAF allocated multiple spots through the African qualifying process that has now begun.
