*Honoured by Kwara FA, Chukwuemeka
The Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s national team, the Flamingos, Akeem Busari Ishola, has emphasized that early preparation will be crucial to the team’s success at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The 10th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has been scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026, and the Flamingos have been drawn in Group B, alongside North Korea, Puerto Rico, and Poland.
Coach Busari made the remarks while speaking with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, on Saturday July 18, 2026, in Ilorin.
According to the Igbo-Owu, Ifelodun Local Government Areas of Kwara born former Pacesetter Queens handler, engaging in high-quality international friendly matches will help identify and address the team’s weaknesses before the tournament, as he aimed to surpass previous records in the Championship.
While commending the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), being led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, he appealed to the body to provide adequate support for the team before, during, and after the World Cup, while praying for a successful campaign.
“I want to thank the NFF, as well as it’s President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the opportunity. We are not the best, but we will definitely justify the confidence reposted on us by making the difference.
Busari was appointed Head Coach of the Flamingos in April 2026, and successfully guided the team through the qualification series for the World Cup.
“The World Cup Championship is a bigger stage. We are going there to make the country proud, and we want to prepare well for the challenge. We cannot do it alone. We need support and advice.
Nigeria secured qualification after defeating the Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate, winning 3-2 at home before completing the job with a 5-3 away victory in Lomé.
“There is already a tough and esteem standard on ground, which has been set by the previous handlers of the team. We shall try our best towards beating the standard already set”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kwara FA, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya has charged the Head Coach of the U17 female team, the Flamingos, Coach Busari Akeem Ishola, to work hard and surpass the records held by the country in the Championship at the world level.
Speaking during a get-together hosted by High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Nwachigoziri 1 for the Coach after meeting SWAN, Thuraya said that the NFF, under Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau is not leaving any stone unturned, towards making the difference in football development.
He presented the National coach with souvenirs.
Equally, High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka pledged a donation of a giant trophy for a competition in honour of the Coach in his home town, Igbo-Owú, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The trophy will complement the already existing competition in his honour, which has been on for the past five years, to celebrate the CAF/NFF Instructor, and CAF ‘A Licence holder.
