Nigeria U17 head coach Akeem Busari says the Flamingos played to their strengths in their win over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
“We need to slow them down, we have to hold the game. We need to play to our own strengths, not to the opponent’s strengths, because if you open the game, they are quicker and can get more one-v-one. At a point in time, we mix mid-block and high press. When they put a long kick, we win the second ball. What we have basically is that we can pass the ball too, we can win the ball. So we play to our strengths,” Busari said.
He said the Flamingos had to make further tactical adjustments in the closing stages as Japan pushed for an equaliser.
“The game is winding down. The young guys are tired. We have to manage their mental. At that point in time, we have to manage the tactics where they need to just hustle for the ball, play lesser touches. We play to the zone where the Japanese have lesser numbers. Before we know it, I think the game is in our hands,” he said.
Busari also believes Africa’s growing competitiveness at the tournament is a reflection of the continent’s development and the quality of its players, rather than a coincidence.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It’s about development, it’s about character, it’s about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So I believe on more occasions, Africa will be more represented in terms of being able to compete beyond the knockout stage, going towards the semi-finals and playing in the final,” Busari said.
He also highlighted the importance of coaching education and modern tactical methods in improving African football.
“CAF has really made CAF licence courses mandatory. So these are really changing narratives for coaches’ know-how, from unknown to known. And this will have an effect on the players they are handling,” he said.
Busari further praised Morocco’s facilities and organisation, describing the country as “another Europe in Africa”, while thanking the Moroccan government, the NSC, NFF and supporters who backed the Flamingos during the tournament.
Image: FIFA
