Nigeria’s female cadet national team, Flamingos’ coach, Akeem Busari has predicted that his side’s last group match versus Korea DPR is bound to be more competitive than their first two games at this year’s FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup.
Sports247 gathered that, while a school of thought reckons that the Flamingos might carry the day against Korea on Friday, because their opponents have already qualified for the next round, Busari reasoned that the Asians will play for pride.
Therefore, rather than sit back and expect a stroll in the park during Friday’s fixture, the former head coach of DUFA Football Academy in Lagos and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan is bracing for a tough encounter in Rabat, Morocco.
He noted further that his side need to win the game in order to be sure of reaching the second round on six points, as Poland may defeat Puerto Rico in the group’s simultaneous last game, though they might also suffer an unexpected setback.
Though his team’s chances appear slim, considering that Poland currently edge Nigeria head-to-head with their opening 2-1 win, while Korea have scored 12 goals in just two games, Busari assured that his players will use lessons from their previous fixtures to get an upset result.
“The players knew that playing against Puerto Rico was going to decide their fate in the tournament. We were unable to convert our chances and made some misplaced passes, but we are glad to secure our three points, and it is going to get more competitive.
“When we are down, we just need to look at how we can come back. Knowing that you are handling young players, you have to counsel them on what to do. Against Puerto Rico, they were calmer than they were against Poland. So, I think it is getting better,” Busari reasoned.
Sports247 gathered further that the soft-spoken tactician is marshaling his lasses to pull off a stunning result against the defending champions on Friday, as the 2022 edition’s bronze medalists chase a spot in round two of the cadet tournament.
