By
Maxwell Kumoye
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Akeem Ishola Busari as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 girls national team, the Flamingos, signaling a fresh chapter for the side ahead of crucial international assignments.
The decision, endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee following recommendations from its Technical and Development Committee, sees Busari take over from Bankole Olowookere, who enjoyed a successful spell with the team.
Olowookere notably guided the Flamingos to a historic bronze medal finish at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
Busari steps into the role with a wealth of experience and a strong grounding in women’s football.
His immediate focus will be steering the Flamingos through the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria will be aiming to secure another global appearance.
Nigeria’s U-17 girls are set to face the winner of the preliminary tie between Niger Republic and Guinea, with the first leg scheduled to be played away in the third week of next month.
Busari, who currently handles Pacesetter Queens Football Club, is expected to bring tactical discipline and renewed energy to the Flamingos as they chase World Cup qualification.
With high expectations after recent global success, all eyes will be on the new coach to sustain Nigeria’s rising profile in women’s youth football.
