The Nigeria Football Federation has ushered in a new era for the country’s women’s youth football setup with the appointment of Akeem Ishola Busari as head coach of the Flamingoes, Nigeria’s U-17 girls national team.
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Busari takes over from Bankole Olowookere, who etched his name in history by leading the Flamingoes to a bronze medal finish at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
As expectations remain high, Busari’s wealth of experience is seen as a major asset in sustaining and improving the team’s recent success.
A Vast Coaching Experience
With over three decades in football, Busari brings a rich and diverse coaching résumé.
His career has spanned both men’s and women’s football across Nigeria and the Benin Republic, giving him a broad understanding of player development at different levels.
Before his national team appointment, he served as head coach of Pacesetter Queens FC in Ibadan, where he continued to build his reputation as a disciplined and tactically astute manager.
Elite Coaching Credentials
Busari holds a CAF “A” License, the highest coaching certification available on the African continent.
This qualification underlines his technical competence and places him among the elite cadre of coaches qualified to handle top-level teams.
In addition to coaching, he is also a CAF-certified coaching educator and has contributed to the development of grassroots football as a training officer with the Lagos State Coaches Association.
Career Achievements and Impact
Throughout his career, Busari has recorded notable achievements. He played a key role in helping Shooting Stars SC secure promotion to the top flight during the 2008/2009 season.
He has also enjoyed success in domestic competitions, winning multiple State FA Cups with clubs such as Gateway United and Shooting Stars.
More recently, he guided JSP FC to promotion in the Benin Championship League in 2023.
Busari’s administrative experience further strengthens his profile.
He has previously served in technical leadership roles, including a stint as Technical Director at Bayelsa Queens, one of Nigeria’s leading women’s clubs.
Tactical Philosophy
Known for his bold and attacking approach, Busari favors a high-pressing style of play, quick ball recovery, and purposeful forward movement.
His teams are typically organized, energetic, and proactive—traits that align well with modern youth football demands.
Immediate Challenge
Busari’s first major assignment will be to guide the Flamingoes through the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria is set to face either Niger Republic or Guinea in a two-legged tie scheduled to begin in May 2026. The fixtures will serve as an early test of Busari’s ability to transition his philosophy to the national team stage.
A New Chapter for the Flamingoes
With a blend of experience, technical expertise, and a track record of success,
Akeem Busari’s appointment signals continuity with ambition.
As the Flamingoes prepare for another World Cup qualifying campaign, all eyes will be on the seasoned tactician to build on past achievements and guide the team to even greater heights.
