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Flamingos’ Coach Akeem Busari, Star Player Harmony Chidi Catch FIFA’s Attention Ahead Of Clash With Poland
Nigeria’s cadet female national team, Flamingos’ coach, Akeem Busari and the squad’s captain, Harmony Chidi have caught global attention ahead of their tango with Poland at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Morocco.
Sports247 reports that, as both sides prepare for their opening game of this year’s Mundial on Saturday, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) served a detailed preview about what to expect from the two countries.
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The preview, which appeared across two instalments on fifa.com some hours to the start of this year’s Female Cadet Mundial on Friday, noted that Busari is in charge of the Flamingos for the first time, while Chidi has been at this level once before.
The preview noted at length, “Fresh off the back of hosting their first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Poland are returning after missing last year’s event and will be keen to make up for lost time.
“Their path to these finals was secured by a 2-0 play-off win over England at the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship (while) Nigeria stormed through African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification with four straight wins.
“(The Nigerian team) will be led by Akeem Busari, following a fruitful three-tournament run under Bankole Olowookere. They defeated Benin in the final round of African qualifying.
“Participations: 9 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026). Best U-17 World Cup result: Third place (2022). Player to watch: Harmony Chidi.
“(She) already has previous experience of these finals, having scored at Dominican Republic 2024. She was just 14 then, but returns to Morocco as captain.
“Having steered them with five goals and the WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup in September with a further three, Chidi brings boundless energy and searing pace to the Flamingos’ frontline.
“(On the other hand, Poland qualified after winning) the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship play-off. Participations: 2 (2024, 2026). Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-final. Coach: Paulina Kawalec
“Player to watch: Industrious midfielder Zofia Burzan is already making waves at club side Czarni Sosnowiec, where she has claimed four assists and a goal so far.
“She also dazzled at the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship (and scored) all four of Poland’s goals – including both in their play-off win over England – to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.”
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was on target as Al Hilal produced an impressive 4-0 away victory over NEOM, with fellow Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe also featuring in the convincing performance.
Sports247 reports that Oshoala continued her contribution to Al Hilal’s attacking campaign by finding the back of the net in the 65th minute, helping the visitors strengthen their advantage in a dominant display.
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The Nigerian forward’s goal came during an impressive second-half performance from Al Hilal, who added three goals after the interval to complete a comprehensive victory.
Moroccan forward Ibtissam Jraidi opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Al Hilal an early advantage before the teams went into the break.
Oshoala doubled the visitors’ lead in the 65th minute before Manar Al-Anzi made it 3-0 just four minutes later.
Jraidi then completed her brace in the 88th minute, sealing the emphatic 4-0 result for Al Hilal.
Christy Ucheibe, Oshoala’s Super Falcons teammate, also played a part in the victory as the Nigerian duo continued to make their contributions to the Saudi Arabian club.
The result represents another important outing for Al Hilal, with the team’s attacking quality evident in the performance against NEOM.
For Oshoala, the goal provides another opportunity to demonstrate her goalscoring ability and importance at club level. The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable football exports, and her performances continue to attract attention.
The presence of both Oshoala and Ucheibe in Al Hilal’s squad also highlights the growing influence of Nigerian players in women’s football outside the country.
With the emphatic away victory secured, Al Hilal will look to build on the performance in their subsequent fixtures.
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