By Felix Onojaiyefe
Flamingos coach, Bankole Olowookere has explained why they lost their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup opener to Germany on Tuesday.
The Nigeria U-17 women played the Germans at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa and went up through Mercy Usani’s free kick in the 30th minute. However, they failed to maintain their first-half lead, with the Germans eventually earning a 2-1 win.
Svea Stoldt and Mara Alber’s goals in the 49th and 73rd minutes respectively made the difference for the Germans.
Olowookere said that they lost the game because the Germans forced them to play their pattern.
“Yeah, you know, at some point, we were forced to play their pattern. We were to play the ball on the ground but they made us play up balls,” he said.
He also added, “They were forcing themselves on us and we couldn’t play our style.” Said coach Bankole while speaking to news men.
The boss also added that they will be looking forward to winning their remaining two Group B games which are against New Zealand and Chile.
Flamingos will now face the Young Football Ferns on Friday, 14 October by 12 pm Nigeria time.