Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari has revealed how tactical discipline, patience and determination helped Nigeria overcome Venezuela’s aggressive and physical approach to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory and advance to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Sports247.ng reports.
Speaking after Sunday’s hard-fought quarter-final encounter in Morocco, Busari admitted that Venezuela’s physical style disrupted Nigeria’s preferred passing game, forcing his players to adapt to an unfamiliar challenge.
The Nigerian tactician explained that the encounter became a battle between two contrasting football philosophies, with the Flamingos attempting to control possession while Venezuela relied heavily on physical strength, aggressive tackling and defensive organisation.
“It was a very strong game because it’s a mixed act. We want to play the ball on the ground, they come more on the physical,” Busari explained.
“They come into our zones, they block every ball, tackles, and this is what the game showed.”
Busari acknowledged that his players struggled to convert several opportunities in the opening half, allowing Venezuela to remain competitive despite Nigeria’s attacking efforts.
“The chances were a little missed, all from the first half to the tail end where we could get it right,” he admitted.
However, the coach praised his players for remaining composed and refusing to abandon their tactical approach despite the increasing pressure.
With the encounter heading towards extra time, Nigeria eventually secured a decisive breakthrough through an 89th-minute penalty converted by Oduntan.
Busari revealed that the technical crew had continued encouraging the players from the bench, believing that patience and concentration could produce a winning opportunity.
The coach also highlighted the importance of his team’s determination in overcoming an opponent that had previously eliminated Germany from the competition.
Nigeria’s victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final encounter against Brazil, who defeated China 2-1 in their quarter-final.
For Busari, the challenge now is ensuring his players improve their finishing while maintaining the tactical discipline that has carried them into the last four.
The Flamingos are now just one victory away from reaching their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
