Flamingos Coach Hakeem Busari Targets Historic FIFA U-17 World Cup Run

Posted : 28 October 2026

Nigeria U-17 women's national team head coach Hakeem Busari has set his sights on making history at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. He believes the tournament offers an important opportunity to showcase Nigeria's talent and strengthen his reputation as a coach.

Busari said his personal ambition is closely tied to the team's desire to make the country proud. He stressed that his priority remains preparing the players and delivering strong performances on the pitch.

"For me, I want to make a name; I want to make a mark for Nigeria and equally for myself," Busari said.

The coach also acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading a national team at a major international tournament. He urged himself and his technical crew to concentrate on their responsibilities and allow their work to speak for itself.

"As a coach, whatsoever you do, a lot of people are looking at you, but you don't know where your career will take you. All the best is for you to just do your artistry work on the team, free your mind, do your job on the pitch," he added.

Busari admitted that the Flamingos have shown encouraging qualities but insisted that further improvement remains necessary. His comments reflect the technical crew's determination to strengthen the team's performance as the competition enters its decisive stages.

Nigeria have already demonstrated their potential during the tournament. After losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening Group B match, the Flamingos recovered with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1. The results secured second place in the group and a place in the Round of 16.

The victory over Korea DPR provided a significant boost to the team's confidence. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf scored for Nigeria, while the defending champions managed only a late penalty.

The Flamingos will face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Busari has stressed the importance of taking scoring opportunities and maintaining the right mentality as Nigeria enter the knockout stage, where a single defeat would end their campaign.

Mexico are expected to provide a difficult test, making concentration, attacking efficiency and defensive organisation essential for Nigeria's progress.

The Flamingos also have a strong historical benchmark to pursue. Nigeria won bronze at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India, their best finish in the competition. Busari will hope to guide the current squad beyond that achievement as the team continues its campaign in Morocco.

Flamingos Coach Hakeem Busari Targets Historic FIFA U-17 World Cup Run

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