Head coach Akeem Ishola Busari has invited 36 players to camp as Nigeria’s U17 girls (Flamingos) step up preparations for the second round of qualifiers for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Flamingos will face the winner of the first-round tie between the Niger Republic and Guinea. Niger host the first leg this weekend, with the return leg set for Conakry next weekend. The winner will host Nigeria between 22 and 24 May before the Flamingos play the return leg at home on 30 May.
Busari, who recently replaced Bankole Olowookere, named five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and eight forwards as he begins his tenure with the Flamingos.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also confirmed the appointment of former international defender Joy Jegede-Idakwo as first assistant coach, with Aighewi Omodiaghe named second assistant. Former international Kola Ige will serve as the goalkeepers’ trainer.
The Flamingos are targeting a return to the global stage and hope to surpass their third-place finish in 2022 when the finals run from 17 October to 7 November.
Invited Flamingos players for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 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); Anaesthesia 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)
