Head coach Bankole Olowookere of the Nigeria U-17 women’s football team expressed his eagerness for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, highlighting a recent 1-1 draw against Mexico as a significant preparatory match for the tournament. Following a 10-day intensive training camp in Santiago, Dominican Republic, his team’s performance against the Mexican counterparts provided valuable insights into the competitive landscape they will face. The match served to dispel feelings of inferiority and fear among the players, paving the way for greater confidence as they approach the World Cup. Olowookere emphasized that the exposure to a style of play akin to that of African football helped in mentally preparing the girls for the challenges of the upcoming competition.
Olowookere conveyed that the encounter against Mexico was not just a friendly game but rather a valuable learning experience that grounded the team in the reality of international competition. With their confidence bolstered, he believes the team is now better equipped to handle the intensity and robustness typical of the games they will face in the World Cup. This initial match against Mexico has illuminated the areas where the team needs improvement, while also making them aware of the competition’s physicality and tactics. The coach’s previous experiences at the World Cup have also served as a motivational tool for the players, helping to build resilience and focus as they transition into the tournament phase.
As Nigeria prepares for its matches in Group A against host nation Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Ecuador, anticipation is building among the players and coaching staff. The Flamingos are scheduled to commence their tournament journey on October 16 against New Zealand at Estadio Cibao FC, followed by their match against Ecuador shortly thereafter. Their final group-stage match is set against the Dominican Republic on October 22 at Estadio Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo. This year marks their continued participation in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2008, confirming their status as a stalwart in the U-17 women’s football arena.
Historically, Nigeria has achieved notable success in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals in multiple editions, specifically in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Their journey took a significant turn during the 2022 edition, where they broke a longstanding quarterfinals barrier by defeating the United States in what was a tightly contested match resolved by penalties. This victory not only marked a milestone in Nigerian women’s football but also showed the potential of the team to perform on the world stage amidst fierce competition.
Looking ahead, both Olowookere and his players maintain a positive outlook as they prepare for the World Cup. The environment created during their training camp and the friendly encounter with Mexico has fostered a spirit of unity and determination among the team members. The coaching staff emphasizes mental toughness and tactical awareness, preparing the players for various scenarios they might encounter in their upcoming matches. With comprehensive preparation and the experience gained from past tournaments, the aim is to convert potential into performance as they vie for a stronger showing in this year’s competition.
With the World Cup drawing nearer, the commitment of the team to train hard and harness their skills is evident. Focused on making a mark at the tournament, the players are driven to showcase their abilities and elevate Nigerian women’s football to new heights. Olowookere’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the Flamingos through the excitement and pressures of tournament play, as they strive not just for victory, but also to build a legacy that inspires future generations of female footballers in Nigeria and beyond. The stage is set, and the anticipation for the competition is at an all-time high as Nigeria prepares to make its presence felt in the world arena.
