Nigeria’s female cadet national team, Flamingos’ head coach, Akeem Busari has been described as ‘a true product of Nigerian grassroots system,’ with indepth knowledge of all technical aspects of the round leather game, Sports247 reports.
This verdict came from an executive committee member of Alimosho Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in Lagos, Azeez O. Azeez, who declared emphatically that all tacticians of youth clubs and academies must be proud of Busari’s achievements.
While recalling Busari’s foundation as the handler of DUFA Football Academy of Ajangbadi, Lagos during his early days in coaching, Afeez noted the gaffer’s semi-finals spot with the Flamingos at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
He reasoned that the achievement is worth celebrating, then stated further in a chat with Sports247 that Busari and his players must be supported fully to defeat Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final fixtures, and eventually go on to lift the trophy this weekend
The founder and manager of Heart Of Lions Football Academy in Igando, Lagos added at length, “Busari is a grassroots coach who understands these young girls. He is a true product of the Nigerian grassroots system, and what he has achieved with the Flamingos is massive for Nigerian football.
“Against Brazil on Wednesday, November 4 at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, it will be tough. Brazil came from behind to beat China 2-1 with two goals from Helena Sampaio. They are technical, quick and clinical, but Nigeria has the momentum.
“We have top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku who won that penalty (against Venezuela). We have a solid defence that has not conceded in open play since the group stage, and we have belief. I give Nigeria a very good chance – 50/50 – but, with a slight edge to Nigeria because of our fighting spirit.
“If the Flamingos stay compact, use their speed on the counter and take their chances early, they can reach the final for the first time in our history. This is more than a win – it’s proof that investing in grassroots coaches like Busari pays. We at Heart of Lions FA are solidly behind him and the Flamingos.”
