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Nigeria’s Flamingos find themselves in what many have quickly labeled a ‘difficult group’. But for Head Coach Bankole Olowookeere, this is no cause for alarm, rather, it’s an opportunity for Nigeria’s young heroines to prove their mettle on the biggest stage of their age category.
“We need to compete with others, whether they are weak or strong. That’s the only path to becoming a champion, an eventual winner. Nobody hands you a trophy without a fight.”
The Flamingos, who made history by clinching a memorable bronze medal at the last two edition of the global showpiece, have been pooled alongside three other formidable teams, setting the stage for a fiercely contested group phase. Yet, Olowookeere remains undaunted, exuding calm confidence and pragmatic optimism as he spoke to “www.superFalconsShow.com”
“This is a tournament, a competition,” Olowookeere declared, his voice steady and laced with conviction. “We need to compete with others, whether they are weak or strong. That’s the only path to becoming a champion, an eventual winner. Nobody hands you a trophy without a fight.”
For the seasoned tactician, this isn’t just a fresh campaign, it’s the continuation of a carefully plotted journey, one that began immediately after the final whistle of the previous World Cup.
That third-place finish in 2022 was not just a milestone; it was a lesson, a blueprint, and a promise of what could be.
“The journey started right after the last World Cup,” he emphasized. “We took the lessons learned, tactical discipline, mental strength, and the importance of game management, and we’ve been working with those insights. Now, having played and qualified for this World Cup, which is essentially the second leg of the race, we are ready for the third and most crucial phase: the tournament itself.”
Olowookeere spoke glowingly of his players, a blend of promising returnees and new talents who have bought into the team’s vision of making Nigeria proud on the global stage once again. According to him, their recent qualifying campaign was not just about securing a ticket to the finals but also about molding a side capable of taking on the world’s best.
“The girls have shown great commitment and hunger throughout our preparation and qualifiers,” he said. “They understand what’s at stake. It’s more than just football, it’s about representing Nigeria, carrying the hopes of millions, and adding their names to the long, proud list of heroes and heroines this country has produced.”
While pundits and fans debate the difficulty of the group, Olowookeere chooses to see it as a test of character and opportunity. He insists that Nigeria’s Flamingos are no strangers to adversity and that history has shown they often thrive when the odds are stacked.
“Big games, tough groups, these are the moments you live for as a footballer and a coach,” he smiled. “The excitement is there, the preparation continues, and our dream remains clear: to make Nigeria proud once again.”
As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup continues, one thing is certain, under Bankole Olowookeere’s guidance, the Flamingos are not in Costa Rica to merely participate. They’re there to compete, to inspire, and to chase history.
And if his confidence is anything to go by, Nigeria just might have another memorable World Cup story in the making.
