Flamingos Arrive Morocco Ahead of U-17 World Cup

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team touched down at the Mohammed V International Airport on Wednesday morning and has settled into its base ahead of the tournament, which begins on October 17.

Head coach Akeem Busari selected a 21-player squad for the competition, with Bayelsa Queens forward Harmony Chidi named captain.

The Flamingos secured their place at the World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate in the final round of the African qualifiers.

Nigeria subsequently strengthened its preparations by participating in the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Flamingos enjoyed a successful campaign.

The team will now focus on acclimatisation, tactical preparations and recovery ahead of its opening World Cup fixture.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and two-time defending champions Korea DPR.

The Flamingos will open their campaign against Poland on October 17 before facing Puerto Rico on October 20. They will round off their group-stage matches against Korea DPR on October 23.

All three matches are scheduled to take place at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat.

The Flamingos will be hoping to build on Nigeria’s previous performances at the competition. The team won the bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

The 2026 tournament will again provide Nigeria’s young players with an opportunity to compete against some of the strongest youth teams in the world.

With their arrival in Morocco, Busari and his technical crew will use the remaining days before the opening fixture to adjust the players to the local conditions and finalise their tactical plans.

The Flamingos will also look to maintain the momentum gained from their recent regional success as they begin their quest for another strong World Cup campaign.