“Professor” Busari: The underrated coach who conquered the world with the Flamingos

Akeem Ishola Busari has made history in Nigerian football after leading the country’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, just seven months after his appointment.

The Flamingos World Cup triumph was sealed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final in Morocco, making the country the first African nation to win the competition, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE APPOINTMENT

Busari was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation on April 2, 2026, replacing Bankole Olowookere, who had led the team to a bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

At the time of his appointment, Busari was the head coach of Pacesetter Queens Football Club of Ibadan. His immediate task was to guide the Flamingos through the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by Morocco .

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THE JOURNEY

Busari’s first major assignment was the African qualifying series. Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 5-3 in Lomé to secure their place at the tournament, completing an 8-5 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne.

At the World Cup, the Flamingos lost their opening match 2-1 to Poland. But Busari rallied his team, and they won five consecutive games—including a 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea and a 3-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil, before defeating Japan in the final.

THE COACHING PEDIGREE

Busari is a CAF A-licensed coach with extensive experience in both men’s and women’s football in Nigeria and abroad.

He has managed several Nigerian clubs, including Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Crown FC of Ogbomosho, Gateway United of Abeokuta and Bayelsa Queens FC of Yenagoa.

During his time at Shooting Stars, he played a key role in helping the club gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League during the 2008/2009 season.

He also coached in the Benin Republic, managing Espoir FC and JSP Benin, and served as Technical Director at Bayelsa Queens.

A graduate of Lead City University, Busari has worked as a training officer with the Lagos State Coaches Association, helping to mentor younger coaches and develop grassroots football.

THE LEGACY

Busari’s achievement is historic. He is the first coach to lead a Nigerian women’s football team at any level to win a FIFA Women’s World Cup. He did it in seven months.

He did it after losing the opening match.

And he did it with a squad he rebuilt from the ground up.

For Nigerian football, the victory is a landmark. For Busari, it is the culmination of a coaching career that began in the shadows and has now reached the brightest stage in the world.

The trophy is home. The history is made. And the coach who made it happen is no longer underrated. ValidViewNetwork reports.