Bankole Olowookere, the head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, affectionately known as the Flamingos, has summoned a squad of 25 players to participate in the upcoming WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup competition scheduled to take place in Ghana from December 12 to 26. This call to camp reflects a strategic selection process primarily focused on players who previously showcased their talents at the recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in the Dominican Republic. The Flamingos made an impressive run in the tournament, advancing to the quarter-finals where they faced the eventual bronze medalists, the USA, ultimately falling short by a two-goal margin. Their performance was not without accolades, as they were awarded the FIFA Fair Play Trophy, a testament to their sportsmanship throughout the event.
The roster is highlighted by notable players, including midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who made a significant impact at the World Cup by scoring four goals for her team. Other key players invited to the camp are first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, alongside defenders Taiwo Adegoke, Jumai Adebayo, and Prisca Nwachukwu. The team also features talented midfielders like Farida Abdulwahab, and forward line players such as Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong, and Janet Akekoromowei. This diverse mix of talent underscores the strength and potential of the Flamingos as they prepare to compete on the continental stage.
In the upcoming WAFU B competition, the Flamingos have been placed in Group B, where they will compete against the U-17 teams from Ivory Coast and Niger Republic. Their performance in this group stage will be crucial, as they aim to secure a position to advance further in the tournament. Meanwhile, hosts Ghana will compete in Group A alongside the U-17 teams from Burkina Faso and the Benin Republic. The organization of the tournament reflects a commitment to fostering young female football talents across West Africa, providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.
The Flamingos’ training camp has commenced at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State. This training facility is not only preparing the U-17 squad for their upcoming matches but will also host the home-based Super Eagles, who are gearing up for their own qualifiers against Ghana for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The dual use of the facility highlights the growing interest and investment in women’s football in Nigeria, as well as the emphasis on comprehensive preparations for both teams ahead of important fixtures.
Olowookere’s role as head coach involves not just coordinating training sessions, but also strategically planning and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of their upcoming opponents. His experiences from the World Cup will be invaluable as he aims to build on the team’s successes while addressing any shortcomings that were evident during the previous tournament. Preparing for the WAFU B competition will require not just physical training, but also tactical drills and team-building exercises to foster a cohesive unit that can perform under pressure.
As the countdown to the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup competition continues, the excitement surrounding the Flamingos builds. By focusing on a talented group of players who have demonstrated their capabilities on an international stage, Olowookere is positioning the team for success. The tournament not only serves as a platform for these young athletes to further their development but also for Nigeria to reinforce its position as a powerhouse in women’s football on the African continent. The results stemming from this competition could have lasting implications for the future of women’s football in Nigeria, influencing further investments and attention to the sport.
