Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Bankole Olowookere is delighted following the team’s 4-0 group stage win over Ecuador in the World Cup.
This Nigeria’s second consecutive win, securing their place in the next round of the game.
Speaking after the match, Olowookere praised his players for executing the tactical changes that led to the win.
Bankole Olowookere, Head Coach of Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. (Photo by Pedro Vilela – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
He noted the importance of sticking to the game plan and staying composed despite the team’s youthful energy.
The coach acknowledged that managing the anxiety of young players is a key challenge, but glad the team’s discipline in following instructions.
“I’m feeling good, all glory be to God who has made this happen to us after our hard training and tactical approach to the game,” the Coach said.
“We were able to get this convincing win, I call it convincing winning. All glory be to God and all thanks to my players who approached the game tactically and we got the easy results.”
“You know they are kids, so sometimes it’s easy for them to have this anxiety and I just have to calm them down. We have training, we have a game plan, I ask them to go by the game plan.”
Peace Effiong and Emily Delgado battle for the ball during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 Group A match between Nigeria and Ecuador. (Photo by Pedro Vilela – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“At the time the goal will come and they hear it, they listen and they follow the game plan and the goal will just come in by itself and that is the way that it works.”
He concluded with a promise to continue fulfilling the team’s pledge to make Nigerians proud.
“It’s a promise that we will go there before we leave Nigeria, so we are fulfilling the promise for them to be proud of us.”
Olowookere thanked Nigerian fans for their continued support and urged them to keep backing the team as they aim to make the nation proud.
“Just saying things like that, appreciating them ever since they’ve been supporting us, they should keep supporting us. Having kids like this will not be in vain.”
“Anytime they are watching us, we are ready to give them joy, we are ready to make them proud of us and that’s what I’ve done.”
The Flamingos will face hosts Dominican Republic in their final group-stage match.
