Bankole Olowookere urges Super Falcons to emulate historic Flamingos

Head coach of the U17 women’s team, Bankole Olowookere, believes that the Super Falcons will perform well at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons have been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland as the nine-time African champions will start their campaign against the Olympic champions on Friday, July 21.

Despite making an appearance at every world cup, Nigeria has only progressed past the group stages twice when they reached the quarterfinals in 1999 and the Round of 16 in 2019.

However, Olowookere who led Flamingos to a historic Bronze medal, is optimistic the senior team could take inspiration from their juniors and make history.

“I need to be a patriotic Nigerian. From that side, I am expecting a good result,” he told Pulse Sports.

“I was once a coach of the national team at the World Cup. I knew how that stage [World Cup] is and can tell you the heat. I know what the coach is feeling over there.

“There are many expectations from millions of Nigerians, and for him to also make sure that he ups his game to make sure that he performs well, adding to his credentials. There are a lot of things going through the coach now.

“Talking about the Super Falcons, the way we are preparing, other nations are also preparing, and I am not the type who predicts results.

“I am only just hoping that the girls will be able to rise to the occasion because one thing is for you to coach the players, and it’s another for the team to gel or take it upon themselves.

“It’s about self-determination and character. I believe asides from whatever the coach might have given to them, they should be able to display a character that will promote their careers as well. One thing is about the coach and the other is about the players but we need to combine the two.

“With these few days before the tournament starts, believe me, no team wants to go to a tournament to lose. They are preparing, and God being on our side, we pray for injury-free play and for the talents of the ladies to shine at the Mundial.”