WAFU-B U-17: Flamingos Get Niger Republic as Opening Opponents

Posted : 15 September 2026

Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, will begin their campaign at the 2nd WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament against Niger Republic on Wednesday following a late adjustment to the fixtures.

The change came after the withdrawal of Benin Republic’s U-17 team from the competition, which was originally expected to see Nigeria open against Ghana’s Princesses.

The Flamingos arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Monday after departing Abuja and are expected to continue their journey to Yamoussoukro, the venue for the tournament.

Coach Hakeem Busari selected 20 players for the competition, which provides an important test for Nigeria and Ghana ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

Nigeria and Ghana are among Africa’s four representatives at the global tournament, alongside Kenya and Zambia.

At the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for October 17 to November 8, Nigeria will compete in Group B against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland.

Ghana are drawn in Group C alongside Canada, Brazil and Norway.

The Flamingos’ much-anticipated encounter with Ghana will now take place on Saturday, with both sides using the WAFU-B tournament to fine-tune their squads ahead of the World Cup.

The revised fixtures will see hosts Côte d’Ivoire face Togo on Tuesday, while Ghana take on Burkina Faso.

On Friday, Togo will battle Niger Republic, while Burkina Faso will face Côte d’Ivoire.

The Nigerian team is expected to use the tournament to assess its readiness, build competitive rhythm and sharpen its tactical approach before the World Cup.

Flamingos for 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup

Goalkeepers: Onyinyechi Opara (Delta Queens); Ifesinachi Iloh (Solo Wonders Academy); Mercy Felix (Obosa Academy).

Defenders: Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens); Chidera Oparanmegwa (Bayelsa Queens); Temitope Ogunbunmi (Soccer Talent FC); Chisom Chukwuemeka (Diamond Stars Academy).

Midfielders: Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Mary Dunstan (Bayelsa Queens); Adeola Bashiru (Confluence Queens); Kaosarat Akanji (Dream Star Ladies); Ebunoluwa Akinola (Unstoppable Academy).

Forwards: Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens); Oluebube Umejiaku (Heartland Queens); Sakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (FC Robo Queens); Destiny Itobore (Delta Queens).

WAFU-B U-17: Flamingos Get Niger Republic as Opening Opponents

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