The Football Coaches Association of Africa, Nigeria (FCAAN), has congratulated the Flamingos and their head coach, Busari Hakeem, following Nigeria’s historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The association described the triumph as a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and a testament to the quality of local coaches when given the opportunity, support and confidence to lead national teams, blueprint reports.
In a statement signed by its Media Director, Femi Amusan, FCAAN said the young Nigerian players demonstrated courage, determination and the Nigerian spirit throughout the competition, culminating in their victory over Japan to claim the country’s first title in the tournament.
FCAAN celebrates Busari’s coaching achievement
The association expressed particular pride in the achievement of Busari, who serves as its Director of Coaching Education and Lead Instructor.
FCAAN recalled that before the tournament, it had expressed confidence in the coach’s technical ability to guide the Flamingos to success, citing his previous achievement with the team at the West African Football Union (WAFU) tournament.
According to the association, Busari justified that confidence by leading the young Nigerian side to the world title in Morocco.
It described the victory as an important milestone in the coach’s career and a source of encouragement for Nigerian coaches seeking opportunities to demonstrate their abilities at the highest level.
FCAAN also recalled Busari’s involvement in the technical crew of the late Yemi Tella, who led Nigeria to victory at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.
The association said Busari’s latest achievement represented another significant chapter in his coaching career, having progressed from serving on a world-winning technical bench to leading a Nigerian team to a global title in the women’s U-17 category.
It commended his calm disposition, technical understanding and experience in working with young footballers, describing his success as an endorsement of the need to invest in coaching education and development.
Nazzal: Nigerian coaches deserve more opportunities
FCAAN Chief Executive Officer, Danny Nazzal, said the Flamingos’ triumph had demonstrated that Nigeria had capable coaches who could deliver international success when entrusted with responsibility.
He maintained that the victory should encourage football administrators to place greater confidence in indigenous coaches and provide them with the necessary institutional support to excel.
“This victory is proof that when Nigerian coaches are trusted, supported, and given the opportunity, they will deliver world-class results. Coach Busari has shown what proper coaching education and belief can achieve,” Nazzal said.
His comments highlighted the association’s position that the development of Nigerian football requires more than the recruitment of players with talent. It also depends on the availability of technically sound coaches who understand the game, can develop young players and translate their knowledge into results at international competitions.
The Flamingos’ performance in Morocco, according to FCAAN, provides an opportunity for football authorities to further strengthen local coaching structures and ensure that successful coaches are given room to build on their achievements.
Eguaoje hails future of Nigerian football
FCAAN Founder, Dr. Terry Eguaoje, also congratulated the players and technical crew, describing the victory as an achievement with far-reaching implications for the future of Nigerian football.
Eguaoje said the triumph was a proud moment for Nigerian coaches and a demonstration of what could be achieved through commitment, preparation and effective technical leadership.
He joined the association in celebrating the players, coaching staff and other officials whose contributions helped Nigeria secure the historic title.
The association also commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigerians who supported the team throughout the competition, noting that the achievement belonged to the entire country.
Historic triumph for Nigerian and African football
The Flamingos secured the title after recovering from a 2-1 opening-match defeat to Poland to win six consecutive matches and finish the competition as champions.
Their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a major milestone for women’s football on the continent.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Japan later reduced the deficit, but the Flamingos held on to secure the trophy.
The victory also reinforced Nigeria’s reputation in age-grade football, following the country’s five titles in the men’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.
For FCAAN, however, the significance of the latest achievement extends beyond the trophy. It represents an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Nigerian coaches, strengthen confidence in local technical expertise and inspire a new generation of players and coaching professionals.
The association concluded by celebrating the Flamingos, Busari, the technical crew, the NFF and all Nigerians who believed in the team, describing the young players as worthy world champions who had brought pride to the country.