Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari has delivered a strong message to his players ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup encounter against Mexico, insisting that a complete shift in mentality, tactical approach and attitude will be essential to securing victory.
Busari stressed that the team must approach the encounter with greater tactical discipline, improved concentration and a winning mentality, warning that previous performances would not be enough to guarantee success.
Reflecting on the team’s progression throughout the tournament, the coach explained that every match has presented different challenges, forcing the technical crew to continuously adjust their strategies.
“Looking at the magnitude of this World Cup itself, the first game is just like a game whereby the girls will look at, okay, we are still exercising the kind of game we play,” Busari explained.
“But it’s for we the handlers to let them see that it’s a different approach, a different ball game.”
The coach emphasised that success at this level requires more than individual talent, with tactical awareness, attitude and mental preparation playing decisive roles.
“Attitude has to change, orientation has to change, and the nomenclature in terms of tactics will have to change,” he declared.
Busari also acknowledged Mexico’s quality but maintained that his players must be prepared to exploit any weaknesses identified by the technical crew.
He explained that training sessions have focused on tactical organisation, quick ball recovery, attacking movement and making better decisions under pressure.
Nigeria enter the encounter with renewed confidence following their remarkable 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea, a result that secured their qualification for the knockout stage after earlier defeating Puerto Rico 2-0. Premium Times Nigeria
However, Busari warned that the achievement must not distract his players from the bigger challenge ahead.
With a quarter-final ticket at stake, the Flamingos face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, in Rabat, Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time. The NFF Official Website
The Nigerian side will also draw inspiration from their previous World Cup meeting with Mexico in 2014, when the Flamingos recorded an impressive 3-0 victory.
Nevertheless, Busari knows that history alone cannot guarantee another triumph.
For the Nigerian youngsters, the message from their coach is clear: remain disciplined, avoid costly mistakes, capitalise on Mexico’s weaknesses and convert scoring opportunities when they arise.
With their World Cup dreams hanging in the balance, the Flamingos must now prove that their stunning victory over North Korea was no accident.
