Nigeria’s historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph was the result of years of development, discipline and determination, head coach Hakeem Busari has said.
Busari praised the Flamingos for their resilience, tactical discipline and fighting spirit following their historic campaign, insisting that their achievement was no accident.
Speaking in a post-match interview, the coach said the performances of African teams at the tournament demonstrated the continent’s growing quality, character and competitiveness despite facing strong opposition.
The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan in the final through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku.
According to Busari, the team’s success reflected deliberate development and the players’ determination to overcome challenges.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria had competed in a difficult group that included the defending champions, describing the experience as evidence of the progress being made in African women’s youth football.
Busari Explains Flamingos’ Tactical Approach Against Japan
Reflecting on the final against Japan, Busari disclosed that his technical crew had identified the opponents’ strengths, particularly their ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.
He explained that the coaching team adjusted its tactics to restrict Japan’s attacking opportunities, directing long balls into spaces where the opposition would struggle to regain possession.
The Flamingos initially targeted an early goal before adopting a more cautious approach after taking the lead. However, Japan eventually equalised through a set-piece situation.
Busari described the encounter as a tactical battle that demanded collective defending, discipline and effective game management.
He added that fatigue and anxiety affected the young players towards the closing stages of the match, requiring the technical crew to manage both their physical and mental condition.
“The young girls are tired. We have to manage their mental scenario at that point in time. We have to manage the tactics where they need to just hustle for the ball, play fewer touches and play to the zones where the Japanese are less at home,” he explained.
The coach identified dedication, determination and discipline as the principles that guided the team’s performance.
“We need to play to our own strengths, not to the opposition’s strengths. Because if we open the game, they are quicker and they can get more one-v-ones,” he said.
Busari further explained that Nigeria deliberately pressed Japan to force the opponents into playing long balls, creating opportunities for the Flamingos to recover possession and launch attacks.
Coach Thanks Nigerians, Government For Support
The Flamingos coach expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigerians at home and abroad for supporting the team throughout the competition.
He particularly acknowledged Nigerians living in Morocco who travelled to cheer the players, as well as messages of encouragement from other African countries, including Ghana, Zambia and Kenya.
According to him, the support and prayers received from across the continent provided additional motivation for the team.
Busari also expressed optimism that more African teams would progress beyond the knockout stages in future editions of the competition and eventually reach the final.
