By Georgina Adegbie
Abuja, Oct.18, 2024
Bankole Olowookere, head coach of the Nigeria Under 17 Women’s national football team, Flamingos, has assured Nigerians of defeating their Ecuadorian counterparts in their second match of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Olowookere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the team was working round the clock to make the country proud in all their matches.
NAN reports that the Flamingos will meet Ecuador on Saturday in their second match of Group A at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic.
The coach said the team will take each game as it comes, with the ultimate aim of going far in the tournament.
“The players have recovered well from their opening match victory over New Zealand and we are ready for the Ecuador girls.
“Our tournament strategy is to focus on the next match, take it one match at a time.
“The Ecuadorians have shown what they are capable of, with them defeating the host nation, that they may be debutants but not a team to be taken for granted.
“We know that three points in that game will get us into the knock-out stage. It is an opportunity we will not allow to slip out of our hands,” he said.
Olowookere said the team will build on the momentum and win in the opening match, while correcting the lapses noticed.
“The girls have done it in their first match against New Zealand and they will do it again against Ecuador.
“I believe in the ability of my girls. They will make Nigerians proud again,” he said
NAN reports that the Flamingos defeated New Zealand 4-1 in their opening match on Wednesday.
While Ecuador defeated hosts Dominican Republic 2-0 in their first match.
Flamingos will meet Ecuador on Saturday at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo at 9p.m. (Nigeria time).
The Flamingos are in group A alongside hosts Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Ecuador.
The 2024 edition of the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup which started on Oct. 16 is expected to end on Nov. 3.
