U-17 WWC: Busari Calls Up 25 Players For Abuja Camp
Retold by Oddsrama · 28 August 2026
Nigeria's U-17 women's side, the Flamingos, are ramping up their World Cup campaign with coach Hakeem Busari assembling a 26-player squad for a crucial training camp in Abuja. The youngsters will report to Serob Legacy Hotel in Wuye from August 30, kicking off the final phase of preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, which runs from October 17 to November 7. This call-up marks the start of serious work as the Flamingos look to build on their impressive African qualifying run, where they dismissed Benin Republic twice in the final stage to secure their passage to the global tournament.
Nigeria's youth women have been stalwarts of this competition since 2008, missing only the 2018 edition in Uruguay. That consistency shows there's genuine depth and systems in place—and Busari's squad selection reflects that blend of experience and emerging talent. The 26-player pool includes goalkeepers Ifesinachi Iloh, Mercy Felix, and Precious John, with a solid backline anchored by defenders from across Nigeria's domestic leagues. The midfield carries creativity through players like Kaosarat Akanji and Annabelle Olubajo, while the forward line boasts exciting attacking prospects including Adebimpe Kashimawo and Harmony Chidi.
From a competitive standpoint, the Flamingos enter Morocco as African champions-in-waiting, and their domestic league players provide a ready pool of battlers. The Abuja camp will test tactical cohesion and fitness as Busari fine-tunes his setup against quality opposition in the group stages. Punters watching youth tournaments should note Nigeria's pedigree here—they're never soft touches, and their qualifying form suggests genuine World Cup ambitions. How they mesh over the next months will shape their odds and potential for a deep run.
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