Nigeria’s Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has addressed the media ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, discussing the team’s preparations, Group B opponents and ambitions for the tournament.
During the briefing, Busari assessed the challenge facing Nigeria in Group B, where they will compete against Poland, Puerto Rico and North Korea. The coach is targeting a strong campaign as the Flamingos seek to build on Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition and become the first African nation to win the competition.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian squad has intensified preparations in Casablanca following their arrival in Morocco last Wednesday. The technical crew initially organised light recovery sessions to help the players overcome travel fatigue before increasing the intensity of training ahead of the opening fixture.
The team’s training sessions have since focused on tactical organisation, transitions from midfield to attack, exploiting spaces and finishing routines. These drills are aimed at preparing the players for the different playing styles of their group-stage opponents as the countdown to the tournament continues.
Busari also highlighted the importance of captain and forward Harmony Chidi, whose leadership and attacking contribution will be vital to Nigeria’s hopes. All 21 players selected for the tournament are participating in training, with no injury concerns reported.
The Flamingos will begin their Group B campaign against Poland on October 17, before facing Puerto Rico on October 20 and North Korea on October 23. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 17 to November 7, 2026, in Morocco.
With preparations entering their final phase, Busari and his technical crew will look to ensure the team are tactically ready and physically prepared for the challenge ahead. Nigeria will be aiming to translate their preparations into strong performances as they pursue a historic first U-17 Women’s World Cup title for Africa.
