FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria coach Bankole Olowookere rues missed chances after defeat to Canada

The head coach of Nigeria’s Flamingos, Bankole Olowookere, was left frustrated over missed chances on Sunday night after the team’s defeat to Canada in their opening match at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking in his post-match interview after the 4-1 loss, the coach said it was unfortunate they could not take their chances and suffered for it at the end of the contest.

“This was a huge game. Sometimes mistakes happen. We had our chances in the first half.

“We didn’t take advantage of them and we paid dearly for it,” Olowookere told FIFA.com.

Coach Bankole Olowookere believes his team will learn from the defeat to Canada ahead of upcoming games at the U17 Women’s World Cup.

“I think it’s a lesson we’ll keep learning, and then we’ll go back and watch how we played and see how we bounce back,” the Nigerian coach added.

Up next for the Flamingos of Nigeria, they will face France in their second group match at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

Coach Bankole Olowookere and his girls must prepare well to secure a first win of the tournament in the next match on Wednesday to stand any chance of making it to the knockout stage.