The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a 36-player squad for the Flamingos ahead of their second-round qualifying fixture for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Newly appointed head coach Akeem Busari named five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards as preparations begin for the crucial tie against either Niger Republic or Guinea.
The two West African sides will meet in the first round of the qualifiers, with the winner advancing to face Nigeria in the second round.
Niger Republic will host the first leg of their encounter this weekend, while the return leg is scheduled for Conakry the following week. The eventual winner will host the Flamingos for the first leg between May 22 and 24, before Nigeria hosts the return fixture on May 30.
Busari’s squad selection marks the beginning of a new phase for the team following his appointment as head coach, replacing Bankole Olowookere, as he builds a team largely drawn from the domestic league.
The invited goalkeepers are Dorathy Ndaks, Sylvia Echefu, Abidemi Aiyeolowo, Amarachi Atulayo, and Rita Anthony.
In defence, the list includes Sefiat Idris, Veronica Kefas, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Chioma James, Azeezat Oduntan, Justina Godwin, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Fakoya Akinola, Esther Enne, and God’s-Gift Afigbediotor.
The midfield is made up of Shakirat Sarafa, Deborah Olayiwola, Tosin Tiamiyu, Fidel Pepple, Favour Etim, Blessing Sunday, Oluwatosin Yusuf, Awawu Bashiru, Endurance Omoroka, Ogaga Adams, Memunat Rotimi, Anesthesia Akwubo, and Busayo Ogunlede.
Up front, Harmony Chidi, Aminat Abiodun, Mary Dustan, Patricia Habila, Kindness Ifeanyi, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Queen Joseph, and Istifanus Shavih complete the attacking options.
The NFF also confirmed additions to the technical crew, with former Nigeria international Joy Jegede-Idakwo appointed as first assistant coach, while Aighewi Omodiaghe takes up the role of second assistant coach. Former goalkeeper Kola Ige has been named goalkeepers’ trainer.
Jegede-Idakwo previously captained the Falconets and featured for the Super Falcons, while Omodiaghe was part of Nigeria’s squad at the inaugural edition of the competition in 2008.
The technical team will support Busari as the Flamingos aim to secure qualification for the tournament scheduled for October 17 to November 7 in Morocco, where Nigeria will look to improve on their third-place finish at the 2022 edition.
The team is expected to begin camping immediately as preparations intensify for the qualifying campaign.
