The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has approved the re-appointment of the technical crew of the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, led by Coach Bankole Olowookere, which led the team to Nigeria’s first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, in India in 2022.
Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered through the Thenff.com that the NFF Technical and Development Committee made the recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Committee.
After coming through their group stage attrition, the Flamingos had beaten the United States of America after a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, but lost to Colombia in the semi-finals. 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.
Olowookere retained his position as Head Coach, just as Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach), Morufu Adeyemo (Assistant Coach) and Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeepers’ Coach) also retained their positions.
The Flamingos will begin the race to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with an away game against their counterparts from the Central African Republic, with the first leg scheduled for Bangui on the weekend of 2nd – 4th February, while the return leg holds at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.
With world football-governing body FIFA having increased the number of participating teams at the final tournament to 24 teams from the 16 that took part in India in 2022, Africa now has four slots at the finals.
This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola