Five Things To Know About 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup-Winning Coach, Akeem Busari

Akeem Ishola Busari has attracted attention after guiding Nigeria to a historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, according to a report by Vanguard on November 8, 2026. The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on November 7 in Morocco to win their first-ever title. Here are five things to know about the coach who guided the Nigerian youngsters to the historic achievement.

Busari is a CAF A-licensed coach. Interestingly, he has more than three decades of coaching experience across men’s and women’s football. Hit should be noted that hos career has taken him to different clubs in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, where he developed a reputation for discipline and attacking football.

The Flamingos coach received his initial coaching qualification from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, in 1999. According to the institute’s Director-General, Philip Shaibu, he subsequently returned for higher programmes between 2003 and 2006, receiving his final coaching certificates in October 2006.

Before his appointment to the national team, Busari worked with several Nigerian clubs. These include Shooting Stars, Gateway United, JSP FC and Bayelsa Queens. He helped Shooting Stars secure promotion to the top flight during the 2008/2009 season, won multiple State FA Cup titles and guided JSP FC to promotion in the Benin Championship League in 2023. He was also Technical Director of Bayelsa Queens and head coach of Pacesetter Queens.

The Nigeria Football Federation appointed Busari as Flamingos head coach on April 2, 2026. He replaced Bankole Olowookere, who had guided Nigeria to bronze at the 2022 edition. His first major assignment was securing qualification for the Morocco tournament. Interestingly, he achieved it through an 8-5 aggregate victory over Benin Republic.

One of the defining features of Busari’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on discipline, character, attitude and merit. His decision to introduce Awawu Bashiru into the starting lineup against Brazil in the semi-final paid off. The forward scored twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory. The Flamingos subsequently defeated Japan 2-1 in the final, making Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.

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