By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Akeem Busari has expressed his delight after Nigeria’s Flamingos secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while acknowledging the stern challenge posed by Benin Republic, Prompt News Online reports.
The Flamingos booked their place at the global tournament following an entertaining 5-3 victory over the Young Amazons in the second leg of their final qualifying tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday.
Nigeria advanced with an 8-5 aggregate score after edging the first leg 3-2 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne last weekend.
Despite the emphatic aggregate triumph, Busari admitted his side had to work hard to overcome a resilient Benin team, who pushed the Flamingos throughout both legs of the contest.
The tactician praised his players for their determination, composure and attacking quality, insisting they deserved their place at the World Cup after navigating a difficult qualifying campaign.
“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.
“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.”
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