Flamingos Coach Busari Shares Strategy for Poland Match

Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has shared Nigeria’s game plan for their first match against Poland in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. He pointed out that Poland’s physical strength and direct style of play are important factors his team needs to manage.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team will kick off their Group B campaign on Saturday. Busari is confident in his players. He said the Flamingos respect their opponents and know what it takes to compete at this level.

Before the match, the Nigerian coach recognized Poland’s experience in the tournament. He said this game will be a good test for both teams.

Busari mentioned that every team comes to the tournament hoping to win. But, he believes that performances on the field will show which teams are serious contenders for the title.

"For coming into the tournament all of us are champions but as the tournament goes on," Busari said in the pre-match press conference.

"We have to separate who is going for and who is winning it. So, we respect all teams and I believe all teams respect Nigeria as well."

He added, "For the Polish side, I think they are a team that parade themselves in the tournament frequently, and they know the terrain, equally like us too."

Even with Poland’s experience, Busari sees this match as a chance for the Flamingos to show their skills and set their identity right from the start.

"So, it is going to be a good test for us. It is going to be a good game. We are going to give a good quality of what we are made up as Flamingos," he said.

The Flamingos coach also talked about Nigeria’s study of Poland. He highlighted the European team’s height, direct play, and their strategy of sending many players into the box for crosses.

Busari noted that Poland's aerial abilities and movements in the box will force Nigeria to stay organized defensively. He wants to avoid letting Poland control the game with their style of play.

"From what we have watched from them, we could see that they are taller and want to use direct play and they want to run in their numbers in the box for crosses," he explained.

To counter Poland’s strengths, Nigeria plans to use a mid-block defensive strategy. Busari believes this will help the team limit Poland’s attack while also allowing Nigeria to play their own game.

The tactic should also enable the Flamingos to build their attacks from the back, rather than being forced into Poland’s physical style.

"So, all we need to do is to be on the mid block and we would be able to play our philosophy and play from the back."

"We shared our crosses on the mid and the low, and we drive in more on the angular side," Busari revealed.

With their tactical plans set, the Flamingos are eager to turn their strategy into a strong performance against Poland on Saturday. A good result would give Nigeria a solid start in their Group B campaign as they aim for qualification to the knockout stage and hope to make a strong mark on the global stage.