New Nigeria U17 coach Busari names 36-player squad for World Cup qualifiers

Akeem Ishola Busari, the newly-appointed head coach of Nigeria's U17 Girls' national team, has announced a 36-player squad as the Flamingos prepare for a crucial second-round qualifying fixture in the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. The match is scheduled for next month against the winner of the first-round clash between Niger Republic and Guinea.

Busari's squad selection comes as the Nigerian team aims to advance further in the competition and secure their place in the main tournament. The coach's decision to invite 36 players to the training camp reflects the depth of talent available in Nigerian women's youth football and the competitive nature of the selection process.

The upcoming qualifying match represents a critical juncture for the Flamingos, as they seek to maintain Nigeria's strong tradition in youth football development. With the first leg scheduled to be hosted by Niger Republic, the team will face a challenging away fixture before potentially hosting a return leg.

The size of Busari's squad invitation suggests a thorough evaluation period before the final team selection for the actual qualifying match. This approach allows the new coaching staff to assess various players' form, fitness, and tactical understanding before making crucial decisions about who will represent Nigeria at this level of competition.

Nigeria has historically been a powerhouse in youth women's football, and the Flamingos' participation in World Cup qualifiers underscores the nation's commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining competitiveness on the international stage. The team's performance in these qualifying rounds will be instrumental in determining Nigeria's participation in the U17 Women's World Cup.