Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere says his team is ready to deliver their best performance yet as they take on Italy today for a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
After a shaky start to the tournament, Nigeria’s U-17 girls found their rhythm and now face one of their toughest tests yet against the Europeans.
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Olowookere admitted that he was surprised by some of the team’s early struggles but remains confident that the best is yet to come from his young side.
“We didn’t begin the tournament the way we expected, but the girls have shown great improvement and hunger,” Olowookere said. “Now, we’re focused on Italy. This is the stage where champions rise, and I believe in my team.”
The Flamingos boss praised the players’ spirit and commitment, saying they’ve responded positively in training since securing their qualification from the group stage.
“Our mentality has changed,” he continued. “You’ll see a different Flamingos side today — more aggressive, more confident, and more determined. We’re going all out for the win.”
Olowookere, who guided the team to a historic third-place finish at the last edition of the World Cup, said the experience gained from that tournament has helped shape the team’s approach this time.
“We’ve learned that every moment counts at this level,” he said. “We respect Italy, but we’re not afraid of them. The girls know what’s at stake — it’s about playing for Nigeria and making our people proud.”
The Flamingos will face Italy later tonight, with the winner advancing to the last eight of the global showpiece.
