Is Akeem Busari's Appointment A Disastrous Train Wreck For The Nigeria U17 Women's Team (The Flamingos)

Hmm, na wa o!

My American friends might call this appointment of Coach Akeem Busari for the U17 Flamingo side a DEI hire (Diversity, Ethnicity, Inclusion).

It is the worst kept secret that the Flamingos' head coach role, the role at the bottom of the food chain in the national teams, is reserved for a Yoruba person.

The previous gaffer Mr Bankole Olowookere is of Oduduwa ancestry.

Apart from his ethnic credentials, what does Mr Akeem Busari bring to the table?

Why not let's start with the league table where his Pacesetters Queens are setting the pace towards the bottom of their league table having recorded just 1 win in 12 matches, losing a massive 9 and drawing an almighty 2 matches!

Hardly the quintessential requirements for bagging a national team assignment, or am I missing something?

Just this week, this Wednesday, his Pacesetters thespians recorded a 0:1 home loss to Bayelsa Queens in Ibadan: the only away win of MD13 league fixtures - no greater indication of Pacesetters Queens' struggles need be sought.

In their last 10 matches in the league, Coach Akeem's Pacesetters could only gather 5 points out of the 30 points on offer, winning a paltry 1 match, drawing 2 and losing a whooping 7. Pacesetters Queens are now romancing relegation with roaring relentlessness.

What about considering coaches of high flying clubs in the league this season like Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Robo Queens, Abia Angels or Ibom Queens for the Flamingos coaching role? Oops! They are not Yoruba clubs.

Does that mean Mr Akeem Busari is doomed to fail in the national team? I would not go as far as writing him off.

As of the time of typing this post, I was simultaneously watching Pacesetters Queens play Edo Queens where Busari played what resembles 4-4-2 formation.

He wants his girls to attack with fearlessness and defend cheek-by-jowl all the while keeping it tight in midfield. He values wing play and promotes quick transition from defence to attack.

With a wide, wide global pool of players to select from for national team assignments, perhaps the quality of his approach will shine brighter than has been the case in the league....

Hopefully...