Nigeria’s female cadet national team, Flamingos’ coach, Akeem Busari has come out with a daring declaration that his squad will defeat Japan on Saturday in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final, Sports247 reports.

Busari made the declaration after his side pulled off a huge feat by defeating Brazil 3-1 in the competition’s second semi-final on Wednesday and he is now thinking of lifting the global trophy this Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.

Although it’s the first time Nigeria will get to this stage, while Japan are back in the ultimate game after previously making there in 2016, Busari believes his side will emerge victorious at the end of the day.

He is already banking on a repeat performance from his lasses as they had in their last group match; when they trounced back-to-back defending champions, North Korea 3-1 to pull off the first major upset of this year’s championship.

After seeing Japan struggle to hold the Koreans in the first semi-final, then scored a last-minute equaliser before winning on penalties, Busari is of a very strong view that the Asians will fall on Saturday in the same manner their neighbours crumbled during their last match of Group B.

The former head coach at DUFA Football Academy of Lagos and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan acknowledged Japan’s strengths and style of play, then declared that his players will give the very best they can, because they want to return to Nigeria with the trophy this weekend.

Busari theorised, “It’s just about showing the same character and playing the same way we played with North Korea, because they play with the same philosophy. They want to build the ball; they look at the high line of passes.

“They want their full backs to support, so we really want to look at all of that. I’m excited and I’m happy and the class were happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy. That would be the icing on the cake.”

The post FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Final: Japan Will Fall Same Way North Korea Crumbled Against Us – Busari appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

As preparations intensify for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s growing sporting relationship with Morocco will open new opportunities for grassroots athletes and strengthen international cooperation.

Adeboye, who recently visited the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja for discussions with the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Moha Ou Ali Tagma, said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships capable of transforming grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

Read Also: “Brazil Must Be Ready for Nigeria” — SSA Adeboye Hails Flamingos, Backs Girls for Historic World Cup Final

The Presidential aide, who also travelled to Morocco during the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to support Nigeria’s Flamingos, described the North African country’s sporting environment as an important example of how sustained investment, infrastructure development and international collaboration can contribute to sporting excellence.

According to him, discussions surrounding potential cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco are encouraging, with high-ranking Moroccan sports officials, including the country’s sports minister and other key stakeholders, among those expected to feature in further engagements.

“Our recent meeting with the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria was very productive, and my visit to Morocco has further strengthened my belief in what we can achieve through international sporting partnerships. We are looking forward to engagements involving top Moroccan sports officials, including the sports minister, as we explore opportunities that will benefit young Nigerian athletes,” Adeboye stated.

He explained that the forthcoming summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” will provide a platform for translating such relationships into practical opportunities in talent identification, coaching exchanges, sports infrastructure, youth competitions and international exposure.

“We do not want international relationships that end with courtesy visits and photographs. Our focus is on partnerships that will create real opportunities for talented boys and girls across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas,” he added.

Adeboye emphasised that the summit, taking place at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, will bring together government representatives, sports administrators, development partners, private-sector stakeholders and other key players to chart a sustainable pathway for grassroots sports.

He noted that the summit’s five pillars — Participation, Talent Development, Infrastructure, Sports Economy and International Pathways — reflect the administration’s determination to establish a more inclusive and economically viable sporting system.

“November 18 and 19 are important dates for the future of Nigerian sports. We are bringing stakeholders together not merely to discuss challenges, but to develop practical solutions and establish partnerships that can produce lasting results,” Adeboye said.

The SSA reaffirmed his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of creating greater opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports, while urging stakeholders to support the summit and its objectives.

The post Grassroots Sports Summit: SSA Adeboye Eyes Stronger Nigeria–Morocco Partnership as November 18 Countdown Continues appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Crown FC head coach Fatai Akande has praised his players’ mental strength and resilience after coming from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Heartland FC in their 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season opener in Owerri.

Sports247 reports that the Heartland, managed by former Super Eagles international Emmanuel Amuneke, took a commanding 2-0 first-half lead through Ekene Osuigwe and Jonathan Osondu.

Read Also: Mobi Oparaku Kicks Off 2026/2027 NNL Season As Heartland And Crown FC Share Four-Goal Thriller

However, Crown FC responded strongly after the break, with goals from Osas Kelvin and Lekan Mustapha earning the visitors a valuable point at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

Speaking after the encounter, Akande described his team’s comeback as evidence of their strong mentality, acknowledging that recovering from a two-goal deficit was never an easy task.

“I think it was a good mental character from the boys. Coming down from two goals down is not easy,” Akande said.

The Crown FC tactician also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, recognising Amuneke’s experience as a former international and the tactical organisation of his Heartland side.

“We knew Heartland’s coach is an ex-international and has a pattern of play with a good side,” he added.

Reflecting on the contrasting performances in both halves, Akande admitted that his team struggled before the interval but improved significantly after the restart.

“We were caught unaware in the first half. We lost the first half and we won the second half,” he concluded.

The result gives Crown FC an encouraging start to the new NNL campaign, while Heartland will be disappointed not to have converted their first-half advantage into a winning start.

The post NNL: Fatai Akande Hails Crown FC’s Mentality After Comeback Draw Against Heartland appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.