U17WWC: Busari Reveals Tactical Adjustment as Flamingos Claim First Three Points

Nigeria’s Flamingos revived their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with head coach Akeem Busari praising his players for responding to the pressure following their opening-match defeat to Poland.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Precious Oscar sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Adegbuyi was named Player of the Match, while Oscar celebrated her first World Cup goal as Nigeria secured three valuable points ahead of their final Group B fixture against North Korea.

Speaking after the match, Busari described the victory as hard-earned, acknowledging the threat posed by Puerto Rico, who were also desperate for a positive result.

The coach admitted that his players missed several opportunities but praised their improved composure compared with their opening defeat to Poland.

Despite the victory, the coach maintained that the team remained a work in progress and expected further improvements as the tournament continued.

Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead in the 25th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.

The Flamingos had threatened early through Queen Joseph, whose effort was saved by Puerto Rico goalkeeper Victoria Moore-Torres, before captain Chidi Harmony struck the crossbar.

Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock after Joseph collected a poor clearance and set up Adegbuyi.

Although the forward’s first attempt was blocked by two defenders, she reacted quickly to fire home the rebound.

Speaking after the match, Adegbuyi admitted that the contest was difficult but expressed delight at scoring her first goal at the tournament.

Adegbuyi remained a threat after the break, sending another effort narrowly over the crossbar from a corner as Nigeria searched for a second goal.

Her contribution earned her the Player of the Match award.

Oscar came off the bench to score Nigeria’s second goal in the 90th+3 minute, ending Puerto Rico’s hopes of salvaging a point.

The forward was grateful for the victory, revealing that she had prayed before entering the pitch and wanted to help ease the pressure on her teammates.

Celebrating her first World Cup goal, Oscar added:

She also revealed that she encouraged her teammates to keep fighting despite the pressure following their opening-match defeat.

Puerto Rico coach Andres Mirabelli expressed disappointment with his team’s first-half performance, admitting that the pressure of competing at the World Cup had affected his players.

Puerto Rico threatened to equalise in the second half when Isabella Sanabria-Cora’s effort from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over by Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.

However, Oscar’s late strike secured the victory for Nigeria.

The win gives Nigeria renewed confidence ahead of their final Group B match against North Korea after their opening defeat to Poland.

While Busari acknowledged that his team still had room for improvement, the goals from Adegbuyi and Oscar provided an encouraging response.

The Flamingos will now look to build on the victory, improve their finishing and maintain their hopes of progressing at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.

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