Flamingos’ Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has explained his selection process for the final 21-player squad set to represent Nigeria at the 2024 U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic later this month.

In an interview with NFF, Olowookere commended the players for their hard work and dedication during the rigorous selection process.

He revealed the thorough and merit-based approach used in choosing the final team, explaining that their contributions throughout the qualifying process were key.

He mentioned that only one newcomer was able to break into the final squad due to her exceptional performance during the trials.

Players of Nigeria Women’s U17 NT during a practice game ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Dominican Republic. Photo | X

“First of all, I just have to say kudos to the girls that were able to finally make it to the team because it has been a seriously hard-working time for them,” said the coach.

“We’ve gone through a lot of rigorous training and we were so careful in selecting them based on their merit. Pure merit, and they really worked for it.”

“They contributed massively in terms of getting the results. They never dropped from [their level]. In fact, they stepped ahead of what they had been doing before, making it difficult for newcomers.”

“The higher they are moving, the newcomers kept chasing them. Out of all the people that came, I think only one of them was excellent; a surprise player in the team that made the final tournament.”

Coach Bankole Olowookere. (Photo by Masashi Hara – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Olowookere’s squad will be competing in Group A alongside the host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.