Head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Bankole Olowookere, has reflected on the Flamingos’ FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, describing it as a valuable learning experience despite their round-of-16 exit to Italy.
Speaking on arrival in Abuja following the team’s return from Morocco, Olowookere said that although the 4-0 defeat was painful, his players showed courage and commitment throughout the tournament.
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“We came into the World Cup with high hopes and the belief that we could do something special,” he said. “The result against Italy didn’t go our way, but that’s football. Sometimes, the lessons are just as important as the victories.”
Olowookere explained that many of the players were featuring in their first major international competition and that the experience gained would shape their future development. He emphasized that the exposure to different playing styles, tactics, and environments would help them grow into stronger, more confident footballers.
“The World Cup gave these girls a sense of what it means to play at the highest level,” he continued. “They’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and mental strength. Those are qualities that will serve them well as they move forward in their careers.”
The coach also commended his team’s fighting spirit, especially after a difficult start in the group stage, noting that their ability to bounce back and qualify for the knockout rounds showed character and resilience.
He went on to thank Nigerians for their continuous support, saying the love and encouragement from fans across the country meant a lot to the young players.
“We didn’t achieve everything we wanted, but we’ve laid a strong foundation for the future,” Olowookere added. “These girls are the future of Nigerian women’s football, and I’m proud of what they’ve done.”
The Flamingos will now return to their clubs before regrouping ahead of the next developmental phase planned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
