Nigeria’s Flamingos eye crucial win against Ecuador at U17 Women’s World Cup
Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, are poised for another strong performance as they prepare to face Ecuador in their second Group A match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Head coach Bankole Olowookere has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to continue their winning momentum, following a successful opening match against New Zealand.
Both Nigeria and Ecuador secured victories in their first matches of the tournament, with the Flamingos defeating New Zealand and Ecuador overcoming the Dominican Republic.
The upcoming clash between the two in Santiago de los Caballeros on Saturday is pivotal, as a win for either side would almost guarantee a place in the knockout stages.
Speaking ahead of the match, Olowookere stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand, emphasizing the need to take each game as it comes.
“Our tournament strategy is to focus on the next match, take it one match at a time,” Olowookere said. “We need not look farther than the next match, and now, we have Ecuador in our sights.”
The coach highlighted that his players have recovered well from their opening match and are fully prepared for the challenge that Ecuador will present.
He emphasized the significance of securing another three points, which would virtually guarantee their progression to the next stage of the competition.
“We know that three points in that game will all but get us into the knockout stage.
It is an opportunity we will not allow to slip out of our hands,” he added.
Nigeria’s first match in the tournament saw them overpower New Zealand, securing a win that put them at the top of Group A, ahead of Ecuador on goal difference.
The victory was a morale booster for the Flamingos, and Olowookere is keen to see his team maintain their momentum as they aim for a second successive win.
The match against Ecuador is expected to be a competitive affair, with both sides aware of the high stakes.
Ecuador, like Nigeria, will be eager to cement their position in the group with another win, having already beaten the host nation, Dominican Republic, 2-0 in their opening match.
Meanwhile, the other Group A fixture will see New Zealand face the Dominican Republic, with both teams desperately needing a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
A loss for either side would likely signal the end of their tournament journey.
The Flamingos will take to the field on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Nigerian time at the CFC Stadium, where they will hope to replicate their commanding performance from their opening game.
With Olowookere confident in his squad’s abilities and focused on their immediate goals, Nigeria will look to secure their place in the knockout stages with another decisive performance.
