Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Team Begins Preparations for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, has kicked off their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a commanding 6-0 victory over Generation Next in a friendly match held in Abuja. The game took place at the Goal Project on Saturday, where the Flamingos showcased their strength and dominance early on.
The match, which lasted 60 minutes, saw the Flamingos take control from the outset. They led 4-0 at half-time before the game was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain. The win marked a significant step forward for head coach Akeem Ishola Busari as he begins shaping his squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
Goals Spread Across the Squad
The scoring was distributed among several players, highlighting the depth of talent within the team. Shavih Istifanus opened the scoring just one minute into the game, setting the tone for an impressive performance. Tobiloba Sarafa followed suit with a brace, scoring in the 10th and 23rd minutes. Harmony Chidi added the fourth goal in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before halftime. Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half, sealing the victory for the Flamingos.
This friendly match is part of a broader training camp in Abuja, where Busari has selected 36 players to prepare for the second-round qualifier against Guinea. The squad includes five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards, all based at the Serob Legacy Hotel as preparations intensify.
New Leadership and Big Goals
Busari, who recently took over from Bankole Olowookere, is overseeing his first major assignment with the team. His focus is on guiding the Flamingos toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
Nigeria will face Guinea in a two-legged tie. The first leg will take place away from home between May 22 and 24, followed by the return fixture in Abuja on May 30. This challenging match will serve as a crucial test for the Flamingos as they aim to progress further in the qualifiers.
More Friendlies to Come
Ahead of the qualifiers, the Flamingos are set to play another friendly against Nazareth Queens today, following the match against Generation Next. These games are essential for Busari as he continues to assess player readiness and refine tactical organization.
The team’s performance in these matches will provide valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. With a clear plan in place and a strong foundation of talent, the Flamingos are well-positioned to make a strong push for the 2026 tournament.
