Busari Hakeem Ishola: From Obscurity To World Stage In 7 Months 

From Harry Awurumibe, Live in Morocco

“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune…”

William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar.

The above words aptly captures what is about to happen in the coaching career of Busari Hakeem Ishola better known as Akeem Busari, the head coach of the U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos who is in the cusp of history by becoming the first coach to lead a Nigerian women’s football team at any level to win a FIFA Women’s World Cup if Nigeria beats Japan in today’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

Nigeria will clash against Japan at Pitch 3 of Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Rabat tonight in the winner-take-all tie

with a victory in mind after winning five straight matches stretching from two Group B defeat of Puerto Rico 2-0, North Korea 3-1, Mexico 2- 1 Venezuela 1-0 and Brazi 3-1 to qualify to take on Japan in the finals

However, one man who has piloted the affairs of the Flamingos in this incredible rebound after they lost their opening match 2-1 to Poland on October 17, 2026, is coach Busari was only appointed into his current position just seven months ago by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Specifically, Busari’s appointment was confirmed on April 2, 2026 when he formerly took over from Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Olowookere’s earlier success raised expectations around the team, and Busari now carried the responsibility of maintaining those high standards while building something fresh.

His immediate task was clear. Return the Flamingos to podium finish, starting with the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup billed for Morocco. His assignment carries the responsibility of maintaining those high standards Nigeria is known for in women’s football while building something fresh and he did not disappoint.

Busari quickly got down to business as his early weeks in charge was about shaping a new squad bearing in mind that at U-17 level, players often move on quickly, meaning he must rebuild with fresh talent while keeping Nigeria competitive.

He quickly assembled his squad from the grassroot talents and Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) star players and a few surviving members of the 2025 set that crashed out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 such as the Flamingos captain Harmony Chidera Chidi.

*’Professor’ Busari: An underrated coach whose time has come*

Unknown to many people, Busari Hakeem Ishola, a well educated gaffer arrived n the role with a long coaching experience behind him even as he boasts of a CAF A-license and he has also worked across both men’s and women’s football in Nigeria and abroad, building a reputation for discipline and attacking football.

Prior to his appointment as the Flamingos head coach, he was in charge of Pacesetter Queens FC in Ibadan, where he served as Technical Adviser. His work there further strengthened his standing in the women’s game, an area the NFF clearly values as it looks to develop young talent.

Also, Busari has handled several well-known Nigerian clubs, include Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan; Crown FC of Ogbomosho; Gateway United of Abeokuta and Bayelsa Queens FC of Yenagoa.

During his time at Shooting Stars, he played a key role in helping the club gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League during the 2008/2009 season.

Busari also enjoyed success in domestic cup competitions, winning multiple State FA Cups with both Gateway United and Shooting Stars. At Bayelsa Queens, one of Nigeria’s leading women’s teams, he worked as Technical Director, adding administrative and developmental experience to his coaching profile.

His influence has not been limited to Nigeria. He has also coached in the Benin Republic, managing Espoir FC and JSP Benin.

He is known for a bold style of play. His teams often press high, win the ball quickly, and attack with purpose. It is an approach that could suit the Flamingos, who traditionally rely on speed, energy, and direct football.

Aside from the pitch, Busari is also recognised as a teacher of the game. A graduate of Lead City University, he has worked as a training officer with the Lagos State Coaches Association, helping to mentor younger coaches and develop grassroots football.

All of this now feeds into his biggest challenge yet. Leading Nigeria’s Flamingos is about continuing a proud tradition, developing young players, and preparing them for the senior national team.

As faith would have it, Busari has achieved podium finish even before playing the finals against Japan as he and his team are assured of mounting the elevated podium at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Rabat today to collect their medals in the full glare of the global audience;  millions of football lovers following on television and those in the stadium to watch the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.