Bankole Olowookere backs Super Falcons to soar at Women’s World Cup

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of the national U-17 girls, Bankole Olowookere believes the Super Falcons to can excel at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, beginning this month.

Randy Waldrum’s side will hope to shake off its shaky form at the last Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) where the team had a fourth-placed finish in Morocco.

The Super Falcons has only made it out of the group stage at the Women’s World Cup on two occasions in eight appearances, a feat Flamingos coach hopes they can replicate in Down Under.

“Actually, I need to be a patriotic Nigerian. From that side, I am expecting a good result,” Olowookere told journalists in Ikenne, Ogun State.

“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.

“Much expectations from millions of Nigerians and for him to also make sure that he up his game to make sure that he performs well adding to his credentials. There are a lot of things going though the coach now.”

The Super Falcons thrashed Australian club, Lions 8-1 in a friendly in Gold Coast thanks to a brace from  Asisat Oshoala plus a goal each from Ifeoma Onumonu, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday on Saturday.

With the nine time African champions arriving its camp base in Brisbane ahead of the opener against the Olympic champions on July 21, the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup bronze winning coach has backed Waldrum’s side to play well to better their careers.

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

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

“It’s about self determination and character. I believe asides whatever the coach might have given to them, they should be able to display 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 together.

“With this 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 and for the talents of the ladies to shine at the Mundial.”

Waldrum’s side will face a daunting task in its bid to make it out of the group stage for the third time she if faces Olympic Champions Canada, co-host Australia, and debutant the Republic of Ireland in Group B at the tournament.