Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team Head Coach Hakeem Busari has urged the Flamingos to remain focused and continue improving as they prepare for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Busari made the remarks following Nigeria’s victory over defending champions Korea DPR in their final Group B fixture, a result that secured the Flamingos’ progression to the Round of 16.
Reflecting on the encounter, the coach acknowledged that Nigeria faced a difficult challenge against a highly rated opponent, admitting that many people might have written off the Flamingos based on Korea DPR’s reputation and quality.
However, Busari explained that the technical crew worked to build the players’ confidence and ensure they approached the match with courage and belief in their abilities.
He also reflected on Nigeria’s opening 2–1 defeat to Poland, noting that the team had not been at its best psychologically. According to him, the coaching staff worked to address those shortcomings while improving the team’s tactical approach.
Busari credited the players’ willingness to execute the game plan for the positive result, adding that the team’s preparation and tactical adjustments played an important role in overcoming the defending champions.
Despite the victory, the coach warned his players against becoming complacent, stressing that reaching the knockout stage marked the beginning of another demanding phase of the competition.
“The competition is not over. The competition has just started because going into the next round is another ball game,” Busari said.
He added that the Flamingos would continue working on their tactics, improving their performance and preparing thoroughly for the challenges ahead as they seek to progress further in the tournament.
Busari described Group B as a difficult group, particularly with the presence of the defending champions. He noted that finishing strongly in such a competitive group had lifted the players’ morale but insisted that the team must remain disciplined and respect every opponent.
With the knockout stage offering little room for mistakes, the coach acknowledged that Nigeria would need to maintain its focus and deliver strong performances to keep its World Cup campaign alive.
Beyond the team’s immediate objectives, Busari also expressed his personal ambition to make a mark for Nigeria and himself as a coach. He emphasised the importance of dedication to the profession, explaining that a coach’s work can influence others and create opportunities that may shape a career.
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, aiming to build on their group-stage performance and continue their quest for success at the tournament.
