U-17 WWC (Q): Akeem Busari calls Flamingos appointment an honor as qualifier preparation continues

Nigeria U-17 women’s national team head coach Akeem Busari described leading the Flamingos as an honor as his side gears up for their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second round qualifying fixture. The Flamingos will face the winner of the first round clash between Niger and Guinea.

​Busari, who was recently appointed to lead the former FIFA bronze medalists, invited 36 players to camp as they aim to secure another World Cup ticket. Speaking exclusively with Pan-Africa Football, the gaffer acknowledged his pride in working with his backroom staff to evolve the team through a structured program.

“Serving the nation is a honour for us to be picked among the other guys. And it’s a sitting well for us. We try to put our heads together. Looking for a good program for the technical department. Review it. Then work hard. And never stay tired, so that we can get there. Everybody is trying. Even though the backroom staff, they are cooperating.”

Flamingos’ final preparations

​He further stated that the team is preparing to play several friendly matches to ensure the players are match-sharp ahead of the qualifiers.

“We are looking inward at how to prepare them and play some little games. just put them in a match shape. Before we go for our qualifying matches.”

The winner of the Niger vs. Guinea tie will host Nigeria in the second-round, first-leg encounter during the weekend of May 22nd–24th. The Flamingos will then host the return leg on Saturday, May 30th.

The journey starts now. Who are you backing on the road to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4mnApv1yTT

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) April 10, 2026