‘We won’t relax yet’ was the immediate message from both Harmony Chidi and Flamingos coach Akeem Busari after Nigeria’s ruthless 5-0 demolition of Guinea in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan.
While Chidi celebrated an emotional return from injury with a sensational hat-trick, Busari quickly shifted attention toward the second leg, insisting the Flamingos must remain focused despite taking a huge advantage into the return fixture in Ogun State.
Nigeria Flamingos Captain – Chidi Harmony
The Flamingos captain, who recently battled back from a lengthy injury setback, described the performance as a testimony of faith after leading Nigeria’s dominant display with three goals.
“Well, I’m so excited. First and foremost, I thank my God because I asked my God and He did it for me,” Chidi said after the match.
“He has always been with me. Even when it seems tough, my God never fails.”
READMORE: Harmony Chidi scores hat-trick as Flamingos destroy Guinea in Abidjan
Nigeria completely overwhelmed Guinea at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, with Chidi scoring twice early in the game before completing her hat-trick in the first half. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Mary Dunstan also got on the scoresheet to seal an emphatic away victory.
Flamingo Captain, Guinea Captain pictured with match officials.
Despite the commanding result, Chidi warned that the Flamingos cannot afford complacency.
“We don’t have to relax. We keep pushing until we get the ticket,” she added.
Coach Busari echoed the same mentality after revealing how Nigeria tactically targeted Guinea’s weak areas during the game.
“We had to zone our pressing towards that side,” Busari explained while analysing the first-half dominance.
“If we picked the ball there, their centre-backs would be left two-against-two against our attackers.”
Nigeria Flamingo Coach Akeem Busari.
The Flamingos coach also stressed that the qualification battle remains unfinished despite Nigeria’s huge advantage.
“For football, it is not over until it is over,” he said.
“We don’t want complacency. We want to play and win again in front of our crowd.”
Nigeria will host Guinea in the second leg in Ikenne-Remo as the Flamingos continue their push for qualification to the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
