Nigeria’s cadet female national team, Flamingos’ coach, Akeem Busari and the squad’s captain, Harmony Chidi have caught global attention ahead of their tango with Poland at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Morocco.
Sports247 reports that, as both sides prepare for their opening game of this year’s Mundial on Saturday, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) served a detailed preview about what to expect from the two countries.
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The preview, which appeared across two instalments on fifa.com some hours to the start of this year’s Female Cadet Mundial on Friday, noted that Busari is in charge of the Flamingos for the first time, while Chidi has been at this level once before.
The preview noted at length, “Fresh off the back of hosting their first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Poland are returning after missing last year’s event and will be keen to make up for lost time.
“Their path to these finals was secured by a 2-0 play-off win over England at the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship (while) Nigeria stormed through African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification with four straight wins.
“(The Nigerian team) will be led by Akeem Busari, following a fruitful three-tournament run under Bankole Olowookere. They defeated Benin in the final round of African qualifying.
“Participations: 9 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026). Best U-17 World Cup result: Third place (2022). Player to watch: Harmony Chidi.
“(She) already has previous experience of these finals, having scored at Dominican Republic 2024. She was just 14 then, but returns to Morocco as captain.
“Having steered them with five goals and the WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup in September with a further three, Chidi brings boundless energy and searing pace to the Flamingos’ frontline.
“(On the other hand, Poland qualified after winning) the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship play-off. Participations: 2 (2024, 2026). Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-final. Coach: Paulina Kawalec
“Player to watch: Industrious midfielder Zofia Burzan is already making waves at club side Czarni Sosnowiec, where she has claimed four assists and a goal so far.
“She also dazzled at the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship (and scored) all four of Poland’s goals – including both in their play-off win over England – to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.”
