National Teams
2024 U-17 WWCQ: Tijani Babangida tasks Flamingos to crush Liberia
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Former Nigeria international, Tijani Babangida, has offered crucial advice to the national U-17 girls ahead of their upcoming clash with Liberia this month.
Nigeria and Liberia are set to face off in an all-West African encounter in the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup.
During a visit to Babangida’s Abuja residence, the Flamingos players and officials extended their condolences and support as he recuperates from a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida, and his son.
Despite his grief, Babangida took the opportunity to motivate the young players, urging them to maintain the right mindset for the two-legged qualifiers.
“Whenever you have a match, right? A quick one when you are tense. Now you have to talk to yourself,” Babangida advised. “Do you know how you talk to yourself? You go to the mirror and slap yourself in the face. Quick slap, wake up! You then talk to yourself and go there and do it. You have to force yourself.”
He emphasized the importance of self-motivation and mental preparation, saying, “When you talk to yourself in the mirror, slap yourself. Tell yourself to wake up. You have a game to play. You have to make a name and make the country proud. Come on, and then you can now go and enjoy the game.”
Bankole Olowookere’s side, which won a bronze medal in the last edition held in India, hopes to not only qualify for the tournament but to surpass their previous achievements this year.