FIFA U-17 WWC: Flamingos Coach Busari reveals plan for Poland opener

Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has outlined Nigeria’s tactical approach to their opening FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup fixture against Poland, identifying the European side’s physical advantage and direct attacking style as key areas his team must manage.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team will begin their Group B campaign on Saturday, with Busari expressing confidence in his players while insisting that the Flamingos are approaching the challenge with respect for their opponents and a clear understanding of what is required to compete at the tournament.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the encounter, the Nigerian coach acknowledged Poland’s experience at the competition, describing the fixture as a valuable test for both teams.

Busari stressed that while every nation arrives at the tournament with ambitions of winning the title, performances on the pitch will ultimately determine which teams emerge as genuine contenders.

“For coming into the tournament all of us are champions but as the tournament goes on,” Busari said during the pre-match press conference.

“We have to separate who is going for and who is winning it. So, we respect all teams and I believe all teams respect Nigeria as well.

“For the Polish side, I think they are a team that parade themselves in the tournament frequently, and they know the terrain, equally like us too.”

Despite acknowledging Poland’s experience, Busari believes the contest presents an opportunity for the Flamingos to demonstrate their quality and establish their identity from the opening game.

“So, it is going to be a good test for us. It is going to be a good game. We are going to give a good quality of what we are made up as Flamingos,” he added.

Busari targets Poland’s direct approach with Mid-block strategy

The Flamingos coach also offered insight into Nigeria’s assessment of Poland, pointing to the European team’s height, direct approach and tendency to commit several players into the penalty area when attacking crosses.

According to Busari, Poland’s aerial presence and movement inside the box will require Nigeria to remain organised defensively and avoid allowing their opponents to dictate the contest through their preferred style.

“From what we have watched from them, we could see that they are taller and want to use direct play and they want to run in their numbers in the box for crosses,” he explained.

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To counter those strengths, Nigeria intend to deploy a mid-block defensive structure, an approach Busari believes will help the team restrict Poland’s attacking options while creating opportunities to play according to their own philosophy.

The strategy is also expected to allow the Flamingos to build attacks from the back rather than being forced into a game dictated by Poland’s physicality and direct play.

“So, all we need to do is to be on the mid block and we would be able to play our philosophy and play from the back.

“We shared our crosses on the mid and the low, and we drive in more on the angular side,” Busari revealed.

With the tactical preparations completed, the Flamingos will now look to translate their plans into a strong performance when they take on Poland on Saturday.

A positive result would provide Nigeria with an important foundation for their Group B campaign as they pursue qualification for the knockout stage and aim to make another strong impression on the global stage.