Bankole Olowookere, head coach of the Nigeria U17 Women’s national team, has reacted to the Flamingos’ third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, reports Sports247.ng.
Nigeria won their first U-17 Women’s World Cup medal on Sunday, defeating Germany in a penalty shootout in the third-place match on Sunday. Both teams had previously met in the Group stage, with the Germans coming from behind to win 2-1.
The Flamingos raced to a 3-0 lead just after the hour mark in Sunday’s game at the D Y Patil Sports Stadium, thanks to goals from Opeyemi Ajakaye, Aminat Bello, and Etim Edidiong.
However, the Germans clawed their way back into the game, scoring three times in the final 17 minutes to send the game to penalties. Jella Viet, Paulina Platiner, and Loreen Bender all scored for the European U-17 champions.
Nigeria prevailed 3-2 on penalties to clinch the bronze medal at the tournament. In his post-match press conference, Olowookere said:
“It was a very difficult game. We came into the game knowing fully well that our opponents are a tough side. They gave us a good fight. It was a very difficult game.
“I’m a very happy man that we didn’t leave India empty-handed. It has been a great tournament with a lot of lessons learnt. We give God the glory.”
Meanwhile in the final of the tournament, Spain defeated Colombia 1-0 to defend their title.
