The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has officially ratified a proposal from its Technical and Development Committee to install Akeem Ishola Busari as the new manager of the Flamingos, Nigeria’s U17 women’s national side. The appointment signals a new chapter for the youth squad as they prepare for upcoming international challenges.
Busari enters the role backed by an extensive background and a sophisticated grasp of the women’s athletic landscape. He succeeds Bankole Olowookere, a long-serving figure who guided the Flamingos through several successful campaigns, most notably securing a bronze medal finish at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup hosted in India.
The primary objective for the incoming head coach is to navigate the qualification rounds for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, an event scheduled to take place in Morocco. The Flamingos currently hold a bye and are waiting to discover their opponents, who will emerge from a preliminary tie between Guinea and Niger Republic. Busari is expected to lead the team into the first leg of that matchup, which will be an away fixture occurring in the third week of the coming month.
Prior to taking this national mantle, the veteran strategist has been serving as the technical lead for Pacesetter Queens Football Club, based in Ibadan. His transition to the national stage is expected to bring a fresh tactical perspective to the youth setup.
