By Felix Onojaiyefe
The 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals begin in India on Tuesday, with Nigeria’s U17 team, Flamingos facing Germany, as their first opponents. Both countries take to the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium in Goa from 8pm India time (4pm Nigeria time) in what is the second match of Group B, at the same time as hosts India take on the USA at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in what is the official opening match of the competition. Earlier, as of 12.30 pm, Nigeria time, Nigeria’s group B opponents Chile and New Zealand will clash in Goa, while group A teams Morocco and Brazil also battle it out in Bhubaneswar. The Flamingos Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere assured on Monday that his girls know what they are up against at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium on Tuesday. “We are excited to be starting the tournament by playing against one of the strongest women teams in the world. It is a good challenge because if you’re going to win trophies, you must beat the best teams. “Our focus is on getting the three points at stake, which will boost our confidence for the remaining games of the group phase and going forward in the competition.”
Nigeria must avoid the quicksands that sucked them in way back in their last appearance in 2016, when they lost 0-1 to Brazil, drew with England and then got trashed by eventual champions North Korea to crash out at group stage. “Playing a strong team at the beginning should not present any apprehension. It is an opportunity to start with your best team and best tactics,and be vigilant to utilize the opportunities and possibilities that present themselves within the 90 minutes,” Olowookere added.
After a 10-day training camp in Turkey, and a barnstorming African qualifying campaign that saw them winning five of six matches against Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia, Olowokeere believes his Flamingos are ready for the big task ahead. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is the other venue that will host matches during the competition. After their first match of the campaign against Germany in Goa on Tuesday, Nigeria will take on New Zealand on Friday, 14th October also in Goa (as from 12.30pm), before flying to Bhubaneswar to take on Chile on Monday, 17th October (also from 12.30pm). Africa’s other representatives – Morocco and Tanzania – also have their work cut out, with Morocco playing hosts India, USA and Brazil in group A while Tanzania are up against Japan, Canada and France in group D.
Cup holders Spain head group C that also includes defending vice-champions Mexico, Colombia and China.
21 FLAMINGOS TO REPRESENT NIGERIA IN INDIA INCLUDE:
Goalkeepers: Faith Omilana; Linda Jiwuaku; Jessica Inyiama
Defenders: Olamide Oyinlola; Josephine Edafe; Comfort Folorunsho; Miracle Usani; Tumininu Adeshina; Blessing Sunday; Alase Attervall; Immaculata Offiong
Midfield: Chidera Okenwa; Blessing Emmanuel; Mary Aderemi; Bisola Mosaku; Taiwo Afolabi
Forward: Omowunmi Bello; Opeyemi Ajakaye; Edidiong Etim; Alvine Dah-Zossu; Yetunde Ayantosho