Nigeria’s U-17 women’s head coach, Akeem Busari, has explained the thinking behind his team selection changes that helped the Flamingos win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Busari’s adjustments to the starting line-up proved decisive in the latter stages of the competition, with players who had previously struggled for regular playing time stepping up to deliver crucial performances.

However, the coach played down suggestions that the changes were a tactical masterstroke, insisting that his decisions were based on players’ character, attitude, mindset and merit.

“No matter how good you are, I'm a coach that plays on character,” Busari said when asked about the key changes.

“It's all about mindset, attitude and merit; if they're there, you get your playing time. If they're not there, you're waiting to come in. As a coach, we want everyone to wire up and play together.”

The Flamingos went on to defeat Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Saturday, November 7, to claim their first-ever title.

The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first country from the continent to claim a women’s FIFA competition.

The triumph also extended Nigeria’s remarkable record at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, ensuring that a Nigerian team, male or female, has won the global tournament in each of the previous five decades.

Despite the historic achievement, the Flamingos are determined to build on their success and continue making their mark on the international stage.