By Felix Onojaiyefe
Nigeria’s U17 women national team coach, Bankole Olowookere said his team is not intimidated by the United States as they clash in Friday’s quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos lost to Germany 2-1 in their opening match. They bounced back with a 4-0 demolition of New Zealand and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chile on Monday, to finish second behind the Germans in the group.
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.”
Coach Olowookere further 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.”
Speaking in the same vein, Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the girls are well motivated to do well against the USA team.
“The girls are very well motivated and working very hard to make the country proud by winning the cup. We are mobilizing Nigerians in India with the help of the Nigerian Embassy to ensure that the girls feel at home. The target of the girls is to be the first African team to win the women’s World Cup.
“I have been speaking with the coach and officials of the team and I have charged them not to be wasteful with the scoring chances they create like during their group games. Now they have promised to take their chances and beat the USA to advance” he stated.
