U-17 Wwc: Three Nigerian Players To Watch

As we begin our countdown to the U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, here are three Nigerian players to watch as the Flamingos chase a place among the giants of the youth game.

Chidi Harmony

The captain of the side, Chidi Harmony, remains an integral part of coach Akeem Busari's setup and is tipped to take the world by storm in Morocco.

With four goals in the WAFU-B U-17 tournament in Ivory Coast, the striker will shoulder the team's goalscoring responsibilities as they hope to make their mark in the tournament. 

Tactically, Harmony is a penalty-box predator known for pouncing on loose balls and failed clearances, as she did against Ghana. Her attacking instict makes her the focal point of Nigeria's attack, while her composure from the spot gives the Flamingos a reliable option whenever they win a set-piece.

Apart from scoring, her leadership qualities will also be vital to the team's hopes of progressing to the next round, as she is expected to inspire her teammates when things do not go as planned.

Kemi Adegbuyi

Kemi Adegbuyi is another player the Flamingos will largely depend on for goals and assists in Morocco, considering her form and experience.

At just 16, she scored 11 goals for FC Robo Queens in the 2025-26 NWFL campaign, winning the Player of the Season award, before a reported loan move to Edo Queens in August. 

Like Harmony, Kemi played a major role in the Flamingos' WAFU-B U-17 title-winning campaign, contributing four goals across five matches. She found the net against Ghana, Burkina Faso, hosts Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, opening the scoring against both Ghana and the hosts.

Many Nigerians will count on the young striker to combine well with Harmony and the rest of the attacking players in Morocco. Her sharp off-the-ball movements and clinical finishing give Busari's side a second scoring threat alongside Harmony. 

Tosin Rafiu

Fresh from the U-20 World Cup in Poland, Tosin Rafiu has linked up with the U-17 training camp. She was one of Nigeria's standout players in the tournament, contributing two goals as the Falconets reached the quarter-finals. 

She scored in the 10-1 group-stage rout of New Caledonia and opened the scoring after just eight minutes in the 3-0 win over England in the round of 16.

The goal against England showed her ability to carry the ball forward as she drove at the defence from the left, turned her marker inside out, and finished low into the far corner.

With the midfielder's pace and willingness to attack space, the Flamingos will have a different way to break down compact opponents.

Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Rafiu is expected to make the final squad list following her exploits with the Falconets. She is one of five Falconets players who have rejoined the camp, others include Precious Oscar, Favour Nkwocha, Queen Joseph and goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho. 

Her wealth of experience, pace and versatility ultimately make her one of the players to watch in the tournament.

Nigeria's Opening Fixture

Meanwhile, Nigeria will begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Poland on October 17. They will hope to pick maximum points against their European opponents before facing debutants Puerto Rico on October 20.