Bankole Olowookere, Head coach of the Nigerian U17 Women’s national team has set his sights on reaching the final of the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, reports Sports247.ng.
Olowookere became the first coach to lead Nigeria to the U17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals after guiding the team to a penalty shootout victory over the United States on Friday. The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the Flamingos going on to win 4-3 on penalties.
Olowookere praised the girls’ efforts after the game. He said in his post-match press conference: “The girls gave it their all. They were marking, they were doing their best all through. There were a couple of mistakes here and there but that is football. We got our breakthrough as well but I know it’s not easy for them out there.
“I had to be on top of my voice to make sure they are on their toes so that they don’t make any mistakes. I had to make sure they’re doing well. Because if I was downcast, it would affect the players negatively. So I had to be shouting and make sure they’re doing the right thing and not to allow a goal into their net.”
Nigeria will take on Colombia in the semi final on Wednesday, 26 October at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Olowookere has assured Nigerians that the technical team is working tirelessly to ensure the Flamingos reach the final.
“We can do more. That’s what I tell the girls,” he continued. “If you’ve done well, you can do better. If we’ve gone to the semi final, who says we cannot get to the final? We are putting our strategy together and with the help of God we will play in the final, and that is the expectation of millions of Nigerians.”
