Nigeria U17 women’s coach Akeem Busari was under the impression that his team had come to defeat Japan and create history in Saturday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final.
The Flamingos advanced to become the first African team to qualify for the final after a 3-1 semi-final win in Morocco.
Nigeria, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opener, then beat Puerto Rico, DPR Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil to make the final.
Busari insisted his players did not settle for reaching the final, warning: “We want to raise the cup.”
“We want to be the attackers. I think that’s the most we will see from the Japanese when it comes to the DPR match,” he said.
He also thanked mental work and a better mentality for the turnaround after the opening defeat.
Captain Harmony Chidi told her that she felt the same way about her coach having the aspiration of an immortal moment for Nigeria and African football.
‘Getting to the final is a very big thing, is a great thing, and it’s something that we have dreamt of,’ said Chidi.
“I think they would be very proud of what our players, coaches and country would celebrate if we get this trophy,” she said.
