Flamingos head coach, Akeem Busari, has reflected on his team’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following a hard-fought victory over Benin Republic in the final round of the qualifiers.
Nigeria secured their place at the global tournament after defeating the Young Amazons 5-3 in the second leg at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday.
The Flamingos progressed with an 8-5 aggregate score, having recorded a 3-2 win in the first leg on home soil last weekend.
Busari admitted that the Beninese side made life difficult for his players across both legs of the tie.
“From day one that we played the first leg, it was not an easy match , they showed character, they proved difficult to beat . There will always be mistakes in the game, which we capitalised on. They are a very good side as well,” Busari told reporters after the game.
The coach also credited his side’s tactical discipline for helping them overcome their opponents, explaining that a man-marking approach disrupted Benin Republic’s attacking rhythm.
“We were able to subdue them because we play to our own strength. Our style was difficult for them because we came all out to do man-marking instead of zonal marking.
“All the matches they played before us, they scored plenty goals. Playing us, they showed that quality as well. We press them high in their own half which make things difficult for them.”
