Flamingos coach Bankole reveals injury concerns despite first leg win over Algeria

By Monsurah Olatunji

Head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, Bankole Olowookere, has expressed concern over a growing injury list in his squad, despite the Flamingos’ dominant 4–0 victory over Algeria in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The match, played on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, saw the Flamingos take a strong advantage heading into the return leg in Algeria.

However, the absence of star striker Harmony Chidi was a talking point after the match.

Chidi, who leads the qualifiers’ goal chart with 13 goals, did not feature in the matchday squad. She was instrumental in Nigeria’s earlier victories, including a hat-trick contribution in the doubleheader against South Africa.

Speaking to journalists post-match, Coach Olowookere disclosed that the team has been dealing with multiple injury setbacks, which he deliberately kept away from the media ahead of the tie.

“I decided to hide it from the media that we have a lot of injuries in camp,” Olowookere revealed.

“Our key striker, Harmony Chidi, did not get a minute today because she can’t kick the ball yet after suffering a knock in training.”

“In fact, we have about six of our major players injured before this game, but it’s OK. We stayed focused and got the job done. Our medical team is doing great work, and I’m optimistic we’ll have them back before the return leg.”

The Flamingos are set to travel to Algeria for the second leg, scheduled for Friday, April 25. A positive result in Algiers will secure Nigeria’s spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.