“Nigeria needs to step up in women’s football” – U17WWC bronze winning coach

The coach of the Nigeria U-17 women’s national team (Flamingos) has admonished Nigerian football administrators to step up their game as far as women’s football development is concerned.

After leading the Flamingos to the bronze medal at India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the coach of Naija Ratels in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership at a seminar organised during the 2022 Sheroes Cup in Abuja lauded his players for achieving the bronze medal feat.

“When we get to India, I observed that we have low-quality of administration. Regulation and policy is very important and we are not taking notes of them. Football at the world level is another thing entirely and Nigeria needs to step up,” Olowookere started.

“I give all to the girls. They have their all. India was another big experience for us. It wasn’t the same way we looked at it. We went there and conquered. Next time, we will do better.

“I didn’t just get to that place without the help of able coaches and my players. I thank God for what we achieved. I watched the World Cup while I was young and never thought that it will be my turn to be at the World Cup.”

 Olowookere led Flamingos to a third-place finish at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup becoming the first Nigeria team to achieve such a feat and the second in Africa after Ghana in 2012.

“I am a highly disciplined coach. I scold hard using a carrot and stick approach. I don’t want to coach an indisciplined player. I don’t take nonsense from players. Discipline, dedication, and desire are key,” Olowookere continued.

From second tier NWFL Championship, coach Olowookere led Naija Ratels FC to gain promotion to the top flight NWFL Premiership in 2021.

In its first season, Coach Olowookere tinkered Naija Ratels FC to the 2022 NWFL Premiership Super Six.

The former DreamStar FC Ladies’ gaffer achieved these before guiding Nigeria to its first podium finish at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.