Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has warned his players against complacency ahead of Sunday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Guinea, insisting the tie is far from over despite Nigeria’s commanding first-leg advantage.
Nigeria’s U17 girls head into the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo with one foot in the final qualifying round after a dominant 5-0 victory in the first leg in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The Flamingos produced a clinical display in that encounter, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline to put themselves in a strong position to progress.
However, Busari says his technical crew has focused on ensuring the players remain grounded as preparations continue for the return fixture.
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“It happens in football because at the time when you are above a team in terms of goal-scoring and equally in performance, complacency will really set in as a human,” Busari said.
The coach revealed that maintaining the team’s focus after such an emphatic result has been one of the key objectives in training this week.
Since returning from Côte d’Ivoire, the Flamingos have continued preparations in Ikenne-Remo, with Busari emphasizing the importance of hard work and consistency despite the comfortable aggregate lead.
He compared the team’s situation to preparing for examinations, stressing that success can only be achieved through continuous practice and concentration.
Busari also warned that Guinea could still pose a threat if given the opportunity, while insisting his players have a responsibility to entertain the home fans and continue their development.
“I see Guinea as a team that can still want to fight back. On our side, we still need to give more because we are playing at home. Our fans want to see the beauty of the game, we want to showcase what we have, we want to win excellently.”
Victory over Guinea would move Nigeria into the final round of qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, bringing the Flamingos a step closer to another appearance on the global stage.
The Flamingos have established themselves as one of Africa’s strongest youth teams in recent years, finishing third at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India—the best-ever finish by an African nation in the competition.
With qualification within touching distance, Busari’s side will be determined to complete the job in front of their home supporters and continue their impressive march towards Morocco 2026.
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