Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday as they intensify preparations for their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Guinea.
Led by Head Coach Akeem Busari, the team is scheduled to travel from Lagos aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with a brief stop in Lomé, Togo, before arriving in Abidjan ahead of Saturday’s first-leg encounter.
The match, billed for May 23, is part of the second round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup to be staged in Morocco later this year.
The Flamingos have spent the past few weeks in intensive training camp, beginning in Abuja before relocating to Ikenne, Ogun State, where the technical crew continued tactical sessions, fitness drills, and practice matches designed to fine-tune the squad for the important tie.
As part of their build-up, the Nigerian side recorded impressive victories over Generation Next, Nazareth Queens, Solo Wonder Babes, Lakeside Queens FA, and YAFA U-15, while also settling for a draw against Real Rising Stars SC in another preparatory game.
Beyond the results, the coaching staff has focused heavily on improving pressing, quick transitions, movement off the ball, and efficiency in the final third, with healthy competition for places continuing to drive intensity within the camp.
The trip to Côte d’Ivoire marks the final phase of preparation for the Flamingos as they target another appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s strongest sides at this level, having secured a historic bronze medal finish at the 2022 tournament in India, and expectations will once again be high as they begin their qualification campaign against Guinea.
