Coach Akeem Busari has addressed the psychological recovery of the Nigerian U-17 female national team, the Flamingos, following a setback against Poland at the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The coach revealed that the team focused on rebuilding confidence after the unexpected defeat, a result that initially threatened to derail their tournament objectives. Busari emphasised that the players needed to maintain their belief to pursue their ambitions in the competition.
Busari, who assumed leadership of the squad in April, noted that while the loss to Poland was a disappointment, the progress made under his guidance remains evident. He pointed to the Flamingos’ recovery from the Poland shock as a reflection of the team’s ability to regroup under pressure.
Building resilience in youth football
The coaching change in April was intended to provide fresh direction for the youth squad ahead of the global tournament. Since taking over, Busari has worked on balancing tactical discipline with the individual talent present in the group.
According to the coach, the primary focus has been on ensuring the players do not let a single result define their tournament. He stressed that the technical improvements observed since his appointment are key to their ability to bounce back from difficult matches.
For the Nigerian football community, the performance of the U-17 team is a vital component of the long-term development of the women’s game. Success at this level serves as a pipeline for the senior national team, the Super Falcons, ensuring a steady influx of talent into the international arena.
The Flamingos now face a critical stretch of fixtures where their mental fortitude and tactical execution will determine their ability to advance in the tournament. The coaching staff is expected to continue focusing on player confidence as they prepare for their next matches.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
