U17 WWC: Busari Sees Improvement In Flamingos After Puerto Rico Victory

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria U17 women’s national team head coach Hakeem Busari has described the Flamingos’ victory over Puerto Rico at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup as a satisfactory result which further boosted the team’s chances of progressing in the competition.

Busari said the Nigerian youngsters approached the game with the knowledge that securing maximum points was vital to their campaign, although he admitted that missed chances and misplaced passes remained areas of concern.

“It was a thorough and strong win. The players knew that playing against Puerto Rico was going to decide their fate in the tournament,” Busari said.

The coach expressed satisfaction with the outcome but stressed the need for greater composure and efficiency as the competition progresses and the opposition becomes tougher.

“We were unable to convert our chances and made some misplaced passes, but we are glad to secure our three points, and it is going to get more competitive.”

Busari also highlighted the importance of managing the players’ emotions during difficult moments, noting that coaching a young squad requires patience, guidance and the ability to help them respond positively to setbacks.

“When we are down, we just need to look at how we can come back, knowing that you are handling young players and have to counsel them on what to do.”

Busari believes the players are gradually adjusting to the demands of the tournament, expressing optimism that their progress will continue as they prepare for more challenging encounters.

“Against Puerto Rico, they were calmer than they were against Poland, so I think it is getting better.”

Nigeria will battle table topper ana defending champions, North Korea in the final group game as they chase a spot in the next round of the tournament.