Bankole Olowookere, head coach of the Nigerian U17 Women’s national team believes the Flamingos have what it takes to compete with the United States in Friday’s quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria finished second in Group B behind Germany. The Flamingos had lost to the Germans in their tournament opener. They followed that with a 4-0 demolition of New Zealand and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chile on Monday.
With the win over Chile, Olowookere’s girls advanced from their group and into the quarterfinals. On Friday, they will face Team USA at the D Y Patil Sports Stadium in Mumbai.
Although Olowookere said he has respect for Friday’s opponents, the tactician also said the Flamingos have what it takes to down the Americans.
“We have respect for the USA. I have watched them closely,” he said in a press conference. “They’ve played well so far and they have scored goals so we have to be careful about playing them.
“In football it’s either you win, draw or lose but we’re going for the win. We have to work hard and look at the loopholes in the team and work on those areas. I believe we have what it takes to face the USA team.”
Olowookere also thanked fans for their support from the commencement of the World Cup. He continued, saying:
“I want to thank those that have been watching and supporting us since the start of this tournament. We promise that we’re not going to disappoint them. We’re going to make them proud. Going into the quarterfinal we need their massive support.”
