U17 WWC: Flamingos coach Olowookere recounts historic quarterfinal win over USA

After a historic victory over the United States of America (USA) which sealed a semi-final berth at India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s head coach Bankole Olowookere is recounting the sweet memories of the feat.

Nigeria had to survive a dominant American side for 90 minutes which ended 1-1 draw in regulation time, taking the game to the lottery of penalties before earning a 3-4 win over the North American side.

The former coach of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Champions side, DreamStar FC Ladies was on cloud nine after guiding his side to overcome a strong American side.

“I feel on top of the world and happy to achieve the feat of making Nigeria proud. It’s the best that I can do for this generation. It’s a thing of joy to my, family, and those that love me,” coach Olowookere told nigeriafootball.ng.

“When the pressure was on the team in the last moments of the game, I had to pray to God to take control. In a situation like that, there is nothing I can do.

“The girls gave their best despite some mistakes during the game. I just had to keep on shouting and making sure that they don’t make costly mistakes which will make us concede a late goal.”

The gaffer domestically guided top-fight NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC to title-deciding Super Six making history for the club in its maiden first season in the top-flight.

The coach has now written his name in the annals of football history in Nigeria by guiding Flamingos to the semi-final of the global youth event in India and will mark the first ever semi-final stage for the West Africans.

“Before the quarter-final, our logo was America must go down.” Olowookere continued.

“Now that we are in the semi-final, our focus is on how we can do more to get to the final. That’s the strategy that we are working towards ahead of the semi-final match.

“I am sure that millions of Nigerians will be expecting the team to get to the final. I give thanks and glory to God Almighty and appreciate Nigerians for their support and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).”

Nigeria will meet Colombia in the semi-final on October 26, 2022, with the winner of the game facing either Germany or Spain in the final.

A win for Nigeria will break Africa’s record of a third-place finish at the tournament which Ghana achieved in Azerbaijan 2012.