Abidjan: Nigeria’s female U-17 team, the Flamingos, have arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on their way to the city of Yamoussoukro for the 2nd WAFU-B U-17 girls’ tournament. The team, led by coach Hakeem Busari, departed from Abuja on Monday morning with a squad consisting of 20 players to compete in the tournament.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Flamingos are set to face the Niger Republic in their opening game on Wednesday, followed by a match against the Princesses of Ghana on Saturday. This tournament serves as a crucial preparatory competition for the team ahead of the U-17 World Cup finals, which are scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. In the World Cup, the Flamingos will compete in Group B, alongside teams from North Korea, Puerto Rico, and Poland.
The Flamingos’ squad for the 2026 WAFU-B U17 girls Cup comprises goalkeepers Onyinyechi Opara from Delta Queens, Ifesinachi Iloh from Solo Wonders Academy, and Mercy Felix from Obosa Academy. The defenders include
Opeyemi Sunday from Nasarawa Amazons, Azeezat Oduntan from FC Robo Queens, Esther Stephen from Unification Ladies, Elizabeth Adesuyi from Pacesetter Queens, Chidera Oparanmegwa from Bayelsa Queens, Temitope Ogunbunmi from Soccer Talent FC, and Chisom Chukwuemeka from Diamond Stars Academy.
Midfielders in the squad are Muinat Rotimi from Nakamura Academy, Mary Dunstan from Bayelsa Queens, Adeola Bashiru from Confluence Queens, Kaosarat Akanji from Dream Star Ladies, and Ebunoluwa Akinola from Unstoppable Academy. The forwards include Harmony Chidi from Bayelsa Queens, Oluebube Umejiaku from Heartland Queens, Sakirat Sarafa from Remo Stars Ladies, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi from FC Robo Queens, and Destiny Itobore from Delta Queens.