Busari says Poland loss woke Flamingos up at U-17 World Cup
- Nigeria's Flamingos lost their opening game 2-1 to Poland at the 2026 U-17 Women's World Cup.
- Coach Akeem Busari says that defeat was a shock and the only match he has lost with the team.
- Nigeria then beat Puerto Rico and North Korea to reach the Round of 16 as Group B runners-up.
Nigeria's Flamingos are through to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and their coach Akeem Busari says the opening loss to Poland was the jolt the team needed.
Nigeria fell 2-1 to Poland in their first Group B match. Busari said the result surprised him, coming after a long unbeaten run with the side.
"The loss to Poland was a shocker. It has been the only match I have lost since I took over this team," he said.
According to the coach, the Flamingos played more than 20 friendly matches without defeat and won all four of their qualifying games before the tournament.
How the group finished
After the Poland setback, Nigeria beat Puerto Rico and then defending champions North Korea to book their place in the knockout stage.
The Flamingos finished second in Group B. North Korea topped the group on goal difference.
For Nigerian football fans, the run is a bright spot in a year of mixed results for the country's national teams, and a reminder that the youth sides keep producing players for the senior Super Falcons.
What happens next
Nigeria now move into the Round of 16, where a single defeat ends the campaign. The team's next opponent and match date were not confirmed in the reports available.
