Flamingos turn focus to Morocco after WAFU B triumph

The Flamingos have immediately shifted their attention to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after completing an unbeaten campaign to win Nigeria’s first WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Cup title in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria secured the regional title in Yamoussoukro with a flawless run, winning all five of their matches, including a 4-0 victory over Togo.

However, head coach Akeem Busari believes there is still work to be done as the Flamingos prepare for the global tournament in Morocco.

Flamingos coach targets improvement

Busari said the regional triumph was important but stressed that the team must continue to develop ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking after the 4-0 win over Togo, the Flamingos coach acknowledged the progress made by his players while pointing out areas that still require attention.

“It is a good one that we won, but we will never rest because the game is about learning and learning,” Busari said.

“We still want to work more, just like other countries will also work as well, because in football, there is a place for strong points and outright deficiencies as well,” he added.

The coach’s comments underline the team’s desire to use the WAFU-B success as a foundation for further improvement rather than an endpoint.

Chidi targets World Cup success

Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi also reflected on the team’s impressive campaign, expressing her pride after leading Nigeria to the regional title.

The Bayelsa Queens striker played an important role in the team’s success in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring four goals during the tournament.

“We are so proud of what we have achieved. It is not easy winning all five matches,” Chidi said.

With the WAFU-B title secured, the captain has already set her sights on the next challenge in Morocco.

“With this spirit, we will take it to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and make Nigeria proud,” she added.

Chidi also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Flamingos as they prepare for the global tournament.

The forward previously made her mark during Nigeria’s 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring 12 goals in six matches. She found the net in every qualifying game, including two hat-tricks.

Flamingos return to World Cup stage

Nigeria qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin 8-5 on aggregate in the final round of African qualifying. (Confédération Africaine de Football⁠)

The tournament will be held in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026, with 24 teams competing in the expanded edition. (Inside FIFA⁠)

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico. (Inside FIFA⁠)

Nigeria’s opening fixture is against Poland on 17 October, giving Busari and his players less than three weeks to build on their WAFU-B success.

The Flamingos claimed bronze at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, their first medal in the competition. They will now head to Morocco seeking another strong campaign on the world stage.

The WAFU-B triumph has provided a winning platform, but Busari knows the demands will be greater in Morocco. For the Flamingos, the next challenge begins with preparations for the global tournament.

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