Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team coach, Bankole Olowookere, has expressed strong confidence that his side, the Flamingos, will defeat France in their crucial group-stage clash at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Olowookere said the team has learned vital lessons from their opening match and is now fully prepared to take on the European powerhouse.
“We respect France, but we are not afraid of them. My girls are ready to play their hearts out. We’ve studied their game, and we know how to stop them,” Olowookere said confidently during a pre-match press conference.
The Flamingos are determined to bounce back after a shaky start to their campaign, and training sessions in Chile have reportedly been intense and focused on improving finishing and defensive transitions.
Olowookere also highlighted the team’s mental strength, noting that the players remain positive and united.
“These girls have the fighting spirit Nigerians are known for. I believe they’ll rise to the occasion,” he added.
France, who are among the tournament favorites, boast a technically gifted side with strong attacking options, but the Nigerian coach insists his team has what it takes to shock them.
Fans have rallied behind the Flamingos on social media, urging them to replicate the fearless performance that earned them bronze at the 2022 edition in India.
