Nigeria’s female cadet national team, Flamingos have been tipped to defeat Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final at the 2026 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup and then win the trophy this weekend in Rabat, Morocco.
Sports247 reports that this prediction was served by a youth football expert and grassroots coach based in FESTAC Town, Lagos, Goldenmouth Chilaka, who pointed out that the Flamingos have shown tremendous potential so far in the competition.
While referencing the team’s gritty 1-0 victory over Venezuela in Sunday’s quarter-finals, Chilaka stressed that the Nigerian players and their coach, Akeem Busari deserve lots of accolades for what they have achieved.
Chilaka, who is the coach and technical director of Anchorage Field Schools (AFS), also took a swipe at Nigeria’s football administrators for failing to recognise the efforts of tacticians working to develop talents at the grassroots.
“As a coach, I am proud of him. It’s not easy for an indigenous or grassroots coach like us. Because, in this part of the world, grassroots coaches are underrated, not appreciated and we are always belittled.
“So, since Coach Busari has been able to surmount all odds to get to the semis of the U17 FIFA Women World Cup with the Flamingos, he should be celebrated even without waiting for him to defeat Brazil. His success with the young women should not be judged with the next game, especially after the tough quarter finals with Venezuela.
“Now, on the possibility of scaling the hurdles of Brazil in the semis and get to the finals, I believe the girls can do it. They have shown determination to maintain their ‘steelz’ in the tournament, despite a horrendous opening match of 2–1 loss to Poland, which was enough to discourage them.
“Coach Akeem Busari and the squad have kept hopes alive. I strongly believe they will return from Morocco 2026 with the winning medal and trophy,” Chilaka (aka Mr Anchorage) prophesied.
