2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: Busari Targets Historic Final Ticket as Flamingos Prepare for Brazil

Posted : 04 November 2026

Nigeria's U-17 women's team coach, Akeem Busari, has challenged his players to maintain their fighting spirit as the Flamingos prepare for a crucial semi-final showdown against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Busari said his ambition was to make the country proud by guiding Nigeria to greater heights, following the team's hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela.

The Nigerian tactician described the semi-final qualification as a dream come true, acknowledging the difficulties his players encountered before securing their place in the last four.

Speaking in an interview with FIFA after Sunday's encounter, Busari commended the players for their commitment and resilience, particularly their determination to keep pushing despite mistakes during the match.

“We gave everything on the pitch tonight. We wanted to keep the ball and play our game, but we made some mistakes. We kept pushing until the end,” he said.

The coach, who described reaching the semi-finals as a significant milestone in his career, said he was eager to make the most of the opportunity.

"Reaching the semi-finals is a dream come true for me and a great achievement. I'm looking forward to it because I want to make my country proud.

“We want to give our best in the next match and show everyone what we can do,” he added.

Nigeria booked their semi-final place through captain Azeezat Oduntan's 89th-minute penalty against Venezuela after Oluebube Umejiaku was brought down inside the penalty area.

Oduntan calmly converted the spot kick to secure a narrow victory and keep Nigeria's campaign for a maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title firmly on course.

The Flamingos' qualification has further raised expectations among Nigerian football followers, with the team now just two victories away from becoming world champions.

However, standing between Busari's side and a place in the final are Brazil, who will provide a stern test of Nigeria's quality, discipline and tactical organisation.

With a historic opportunity within reach, the Flamingos will be hoping to translate their quarter-final resilience into another memorable performance against the South Americans.

2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: Busari Targets Historic Final Ticket as Flamingos Prepare for Brazil

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