The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Hakeem Busari as the new head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, following the expiration of former coach Bankole Olowookere’s tenure.
Busari replaces Bankole Olowookere, who enjoyed a relatively successful spell with the Flamingos.
His appointment is seen as a continuation of the development-focused structure that has helped the Flamingos remain one of Africa’s strongest teams at the youth level.
Hakeem Busari is widely respected in Nigerian women’s football circles, having previously worked with youth development teams and in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL); he currently leads Pacesetters Queens FC in the NWFL Premiership.
His immediate task will be to prepare the team for upcoming 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against the winners of the preliminary round match between Niger Republic and Guinea
The former head coach of Enyimba FC, Grown FC of Ogbomoso, Gateway United Football Club, Bayelsa United among others will be expected to bring his wealth of experience to the fore.
Under Olowookere, the Flamingos achieved one of their greatest milestones by finishing third at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, a historic achievement that brought global recognition to Nigeria’s women’s youth football development.
With Busari now in charge, expectations remain high for the Flamingos to continue their dominance in Africa and compete strongly at the global level.