NFF reinstates Bankole Olowookere as Flamingos Head Coach

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to retain the Technical crew of Nigeria women’s U-17 national team.

This was confirmed in a press release by the Communication Department of the NFF on Wednesday.

With this development, Bankole Olowookere who guided the team to their best finish at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in India 2022 retained his position as the Head coach.

NFF Technical and Development Committee made the recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Committee.

The Flamingos were on their way to a first-ever FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup before penalties loss to eventual runners-up, Colombia.

In the third-place, the Flamingos were held to a 3-3 draw by Germany but prevailed after a penalty shootout to win the bronze medals.

Apart from Olowookere retaining his position as Head Coach, Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach), Morufu Adeyemo (Assistant Coach) and Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeepers’ Coach) also retained their positions.

The Flamingos will face Central Africa Republic (CAR) in the race to qualify for the next FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup taking place this year.

The qualifiers start with an away game against their opponents, with the first leg scheduled for Bangui on the weekend of February 2 to 4.

The return leg holds at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.

Africa now has four slots for this year’s FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup which is slated for October 16 to November 3.