The Akeem Busari Story: From Appointment Controversy to FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup History

When the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), announced the appointment of Akeem Ishola Busari as head coach of the Flamingos in April 2026, the decision was met with widespread criticism from Nigerian football followers.

Many questioned the decision, particularly because of the poor results recorded by his former club, Pacesetter Queens of Ibadan.

For many supporters, Busari was not the obvious choice to lead Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, especially after the contributions of his predecessor, Bankole Olowookere, who guided the Flamingos to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup bronze medal in 2022.

The concerns were understandable. However, months after his appointment, Busari has answered his critics in the best possible way, through results on the pitch.

Today, the coach who faced questions over his appointment is widely celebrated for guiding the Flamingos to the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Nigeria will face Japan on Saturday, with the opportunity to become the first African nation to win the competition.

A difficult appointment, an immediate responsibility

Busari was appointed after the NFF Executive Committee endorsed a recommendation from its Technical and Development Committee.

The experienced coach was selected to replace Olowookere, who had spent several years with the Flamingos and established a strong record at the global tournament.

At the time of his appointment, Busari was the head coach of Pacesetter Queens Football Club of Ibadan. His immediate responsibility was to guide Nigeria through the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

He successfully completed that assignment, securing Nigeria’s place at the tournament in Morocco.

However, qualification was only the beginning of what has now become the most successful campaign in the history of the Flamingos.

Taking the Flamingos beyond previous achievements

Since making their debut at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008, the Flamingos have been guided by five Nigerian coaches across different generations.

Felix Ibe Ukwu led the team at the inaugural edition in 2008, where Nigeria exited in the group stage.

Peter Dedevbo took charge in 2010 and 2012, guiding the team to the quarter-finals on both occasions.

Bala Nikyu continued the journey in 2014 and 2016. While the 2014 campaign ended in the quarter-finals, Nigeria failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2016. The country also missed the 2018 edition.

Bankole Olowookere later took charge and delivered one of the biggest achievements in the team’s history.

Under his leadership, the Flamingos won bronze at the 2022 tournament in India after defeating Germany in the third-place match. It was Nigeria’s first-ever medal at the competition.

Olowookere also led the team to the quarter-finals in 2024 and the Round of 16 in 2025.

Now, Busari has taken the team a step further by guiding Nigeria to its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.

One more step to history

The journey to the final has changed the conversation surrounding Busari’s appointment.

The doubts and criticism that greeted his arrival have largely given way to praise for his work, the performances of his players and the historic achievement of the team.

His achievement is also a reflection of the progress made by the Flamingos over the years, as each generation of coaches has contributed to building the team into a competitive force in women’s youth football.

From the group-stage exit of 2008 to the quarter-final appearances, the bronze medal of 2022 and now the final of 2026, Nigeria’s journey has been one of steady progress.

Akeem Busari now stands on the verge of writing his name permanently into Nigerian football history.

A victory over Japan on Sunday would not only deliver Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title but also make the Flamingos the first African team to win the competition.

For a coach whose appointment was initially questioned, the opportunity to lead Nigeria to world glory would be a remarkable response to his critics.

History is within reach. One more victory could turn Busari’s remarkable journey from an appointment that divided opinion into one of the greatest coaching stories in Nigerian youth football.