“My tactics against Burkina Faso were spot on” – Busari

Flamingos head coach, Hakeem Busari, has said his tactical plan was crucial to Nigeria’s victory over Burkina Faso in their WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Cup clash.

Mr Busari said he had anticipated that Burkina Faso would defend deep, rely on long balls and attempt to frustrate Nigeria, but his players eventually found a way to overcome the approach.

Mr Busari explained that Nigeria expected Burkina Faso to sit back and play directly rather than build their attacks through possession.

He said the Flamingos created several early opportunities but failed to convert them, allowing Burkina Faso to remain in the contest.

“I envisaged this. Burkina Faso were going to sit back.”

According to the coach, converting those early chances could have changed the course of the match and given Nigeria a more comfortable advantage.

Flamingos had to stay patient

Mr Busari said Burkina Faso’s defensive approach required Nigeria to remain patient because their opponents were deliberately avoiding open play.

“They wanted to play long balls without playing it on the ground and sit back,” he said, adding that Nigeria had to adjust and wait for opportunities.

He also acknowledged that the young Nigerian players needed greater composure after failing to take their early chances, particularly as Burkina Faso became more confident as the match progressed.

Opening goal changed the game

According to Mr Busari, Nigeria’s opening goal changed the nature of the contest because Burkina Faso could no longer maintain the same defensive approach.

The Burkinabè were forced to come forward in search of an equaliser, creating more space for Nigeria to exploit.

Mr Busari said both sides demonstrated the tactical quality available in African women’s youth football, praising Burkina Faso for their approach while noting that Nigeria successfully countered it.

“Football is about tactics.”

Flamingos continue WAFU-B campaign

The result keeps Nigeria’s Flamingos on course in the WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Cup as the team prepares for its next challenge.

For Nigeria, the match also provided another test of how the young players respond when opponents adopt a defensive strategy rather than allowing them to play freely.

Mr Busari said the ability to remain patient, create chances and adapt tactically would remain important as the competition progresses.