Key Takeaways
- Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
- Head coach Akeem Busari selected a 21-player squad, with Harmony Chidi serving as captain.
- Nigeria qualified after winning the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Championship with five wins from five matches.
- The Flamingos conceded just one goal during their qualifying campaign.
- Nigeria will face Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR in Group B.
- The Flamingos will begin their World Cup campaign against Poland on October 17.
- Nigeria previously finished third at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, as the team begins its final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The delegation landed on Wednesday, October 7, and checked into the Ibis Hotel ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on October 17.
Head coach Akeem Busari will now oversee the final stage of preparations as the Nigerian youngsters get ready for their opening Group B fixture.
Busari Begins Final Preparations With 21-Player Squad
Busari selected a 21-player squad for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, with captain Harmony Chidi set to lead the Flamingos in Morocco.
The team’s immediate focus is on completing its preparations before the opening fixture, giving the players an opportunity to settle into their tournament environment ahead of the group-stage challenge.
Nigeria will begin its campaign against Poland on Saturday, October 17.
Flamingos Bring Strong Tournament Credentials
The Flamingos secured their place at the World Cup after winning the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Championship.
Nigeria produced a perfect run during the regional competition, winning all five of its matches.
The Flamingos also conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, providing a strong foundation as they move into the global competition.
That record will now be tested against a different level of opposition in Morocco.
Group B Presents Three Different Challenges
Nigeria has been drawn into Group B, where the Flamingos will face Poland, Puerto Rico and two-time defending champions Korea DPR.
The group stage will give Nigeria three opportunities to progress in the competition, beginning with the encounter against Poland.
The Flamingos will then meet Puerto Rico on October 20 before completing their group-stage schedule against Korea DPR on October 23.
All three matches are scheduled to take place at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat.
Nigeria’s World Cup Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| October 17 | Nigeria vs Poland |
| October 20 | Nigeria vs Puerto Rico |
| October 23 | Nigeria vs Korea DPR |
The tournament itself will run from October 17 to November 7, placing the Flamingos’ arrival in Casablanca at the beginning of the final preparation period.
Flamingos Carry 2022 World Cup Benchmark
Nigeria will also have its previous performance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in mind.
The Flamingos finished third at the 2022 tournament, giving the current squad a clear benchmark as it prepares for another appearance on the global stage.
The objective now is to build from that experience and produce another strong campaign in Morocco.
The World Cup Journey Begins In Morocco
With the Flamingos now settled in Casablanca, attention turns to the final days of preparation before the opening match against Poland.
The team’s WAFU-B championship-winning record has provided an encouraging platform, but the group-stage fixtures will offer the first opportunity to measure Nigeria against its World Cup opponents.
For Busari and his 21-player squad, the next step is clear: complete preparations, open the tournament strongly against Poland and begin a new World Cup journey for the Flamingos.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Flamingos arrive in Morocco?
The Flamingos arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday, October 7, ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Who is coaching Nigeria’s Flamingos?
Akeem Busari is the head coach of the Nigerian U-17 women’s team for the tournament.
How many players are in Nigeria’s World Cup squad?
Busari selected a 21-player squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign.
Who is the captain of the Flamingos?
Harmony Chidi is the captain of Nigeria’s Flamingos.
Who will Nigeria face in the group stage?
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and Korea DPR, the two-time defending champions.
When will Nigeria play its first World Cup match?
The Flamingos will open their campaign against Poland on Saturday, October 17.
Where will Nigeria play its group-stage matches?
All three of Nigeria’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat.
How did the Flamingos qualify for the World Cup?
Nigeria secured its place after winning the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Championship, recording five victories in five matches and conceding only one goal.
How did Nigeria perform at the previous U-17 Women’s World Cup?
The Flamingos finished third at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
When does the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup run?
The tournament is scheduled to run from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
