Falconets assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi has warned Nigeria’s Flamingos against complacency ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-final against Brazil, insisting that every remaining team possesses the quality to emerge as world champions, Sports247.ng reports.
Speaking after Nigeria’s dramatic 1-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela, Abdullahi praised the youngsters for their remarkable progress but stressed that maintaining concentration, collective discipline and a winning mentality would be essential against Brazil.
“They have won the quarter-final, now they are off to the semi-finals. And for them to remain in Morocco till the final, they need to win their semi-finals,” Abdullahi stated.
The experienced tactician explained that the competition has reached a decisive stage where previous achievements offer no guarantee of further success.
“Now it’s the battle of everybody is a potential champion. They just have to remain focused,” he warned.
Abdullahi also praised the Flamingos’ goalkeeper for her outstanding contributions, highlighting the importance of crucial saves in keeping Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions alive.
“We have seen all the wonderful saves the goalkeeper has done,” he noted.
The Falconets assistant coach described Nigeria’s qualification for the semi-finals as a significant achievement, particularly considering the team’s difficult start to the tournament.
“For me, it’s a dream fulfilled. It’s a dream come true,” he declared.
He reminded the players that their victory over defending champions North Korea demonstrated their ability to compete against the strongest opponents.
Abdullahi urged the team to maintain a collective approach, emphasising that every player must contribute defensively and offensively.
“When they don’t have the ball, everybody is involved. And when they are in possession, everybody is involved,” he explained.
He also encouraged the Flamingos to improve their transitions and increase their intensity against Brazil.
“The higher you go, the hotter it becomes,” Abdullahi warned.
Nigeria will face Brazil on Wednesday, November 4, with a historic first-ever appearance in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final at stake.
For Abdullahi, the message is unmistakable: the Flamingos have come too far to lose focus now.
