Nigeria Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has emphasised the importance of emotional understanding, discipline and proper guidance in managing young footballers, particularly team captain Harmony Chidi, ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco 2026.
Sports247 reports that the Nigerian girls are preparing for the global tournament scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 7, where they will compete against Poland, Puerto Rico and North Korea in Group B.
With expectations growing ahead of the competition, Busari has explained that managing young players requires more than tactical preparation, insisting that understanding their emotions and individual backgrounds remains essential to building a disciplined and competitive team.
Speaking about Harmony Chidi and the challenges of working with teenage footballers, the Flamingos coach acknowledged that young players sometimes experience emotional reactions influenced by excitement, anxiety and the pressures associated with football.
“Harmony Chidi is a young player. These players are human, and they have emotions because they are the actors. Sometimes, it turns to fun or anxiety,” Busari explained.
His comments highlighted the importance of patience and emotional intelligence when guiding players who are still developing both as footballers and individuals.
“discipline remains our watchword” — Busari
While recognising the emotional challenges facing young players, Busari stressed that discipline remains a fundamental principle within the Flamingos camp.
According to the coach, members of the technical and backroom staff have a responsibility to lead by example, ensuring that players receive appropriate guidance whenever their conduct requires correction.
“really, our watchword is discipline. We, as the backroom staff, need to play a key role as role models and correct them with ease,” he stated.
“in return, they pledge not to repeat such acts. We understand that they all come from different backgrounds.”
Busari’s approach reflects his belief that effective player management should combine accountability with understanding, particularly when dealing with footballers from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Rather than focusing solely on punishment, the coach believes that constructive correction can help young players recognise mistakes, improve their behaviour and develop the maturity required for international competition.
For Harmony Chidi, who carries the additional responsibility of captaining the team, such guidance forms part of the broader development process as the Flamingos prepare for the demands of the World Cup.
Beyond the responsibility of managing his players, Busari acknowledged the importance of institutional support and encouragement from Nigerians.
The coach insisted that the team’s preparations were not about personal recognition for members of the technical crew but about representing the country with pride.
“It’s not different from what we have been doing. It’s not really our show; it is for the country,” he said.
“It is the support at the Glass House and the prayers from Nigerians that keep pushing us.”
His remarks highlighted the contribution of the Nigeria Football Federation and the wider football community to the Flamingos’ preparations.
The Glass House, headquarters of the NFF, remains central to the administrative support provided to Nigeria’s national football teams.
Nigeria will begin its World Cup campaign in a competitive Group B featuring Poland, Puerto Rico and North Korea.
For Busari, preparing the team for these encounters involves ensuring that the players are technically equipped, mentally prepared and disciplined enough to handle the pressure of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
The coach’s emphasis on emotional development and responsible leadership also underlines the unique demands of youth football, where player development remains as important as immediate results.
With the tournament approaching, the Flamingos will be hoping that the combination of tactical preparation, discipline and collective support translates into strong performances in Morocco.
For Busari, the message is clear: young players must be guided with understanding, corrected with patience and encouraged to carry Nigeria’s hopes with pride and responsibility.
