Hakeem Busari: Flamingos coach targets first World Cup win against Puerto Rico

Nigeria’s Flamingos are determined to bounce back from their opening defeat to Poland when they face Puerto Rico in their second Group B match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Tuesday.

The Nigerian side lost 2-1 to Poland at the weekend and will be desperate to secure their first victory of the tournament when both teams meet at Pitch 4 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Rabat, at 7 p.m. Nigerian time.

Head coach Akeem Busari Ishola expressed confidence that his players would respond positively to the setback, insisting that the team had put the opening defeat behind them and was focused on securing a favourable result.

Speaking exclusively to Prompt News in Rabat ahead of the encounter, Busari said the Flamingos were determined to improve their performance and collect the points needed to strengthen their chances of progressing from the group.

The coach explained that the technical crew had reviewed the match against Poland and identified areas requiring improvement, while also studying Puerto Rico’s opening fixture against North Korea.

“We have reviewed our first match against Poland, and I can say we have learnt our lessons and will improve on every aspect of the game to avoid what led to our first loss. Also, we have watched the North Korea versus Puerto Rico match, and I believe we will have a good understanding of how to approach our next match,” Busari revealed.

Puerto Rico also suffered a heavy defeat to North Korea in their opening match, but Busari warned that Nigeria would approach the contest with the seriousness it deserves.

He stressed that the Flamingos could not afford another setback if they hoped to advance beyond the group stage.

Busari further disclosed that some adjustments would be made to the team’s line-up as the coaching crew seeks a winning formula against the Puerto Ricans.

The coach added that the players were in high spirits and motivated to redeem themselves after the disappointment of their opening defeat.

He also appealed to Nigerians back home to continue supporting the team as the Flamingos seek to revive their campaign at the tournament.