U17WWC: Flamingos seek redemption against New Zealand

Nigeria’s women U17 national team, the Flamingos, will be aiming for redemption when they face New Zealand in their second group game at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (U17WWC) in India.

The Flamingos opened their account in this year’s competition with a 1-2 loss to European champions Germany on Tuesday but will seek to return to winning ways when they face New Zealand in Goa.

New Zealand lost their opening game to Chile (1-3) which means that they also need a result to remain in the competition, making Friday’s game a win or bust for both sides.

Nigeria head coach Bankole Olowookere says his side have worked extra hard in the past couple of days and are optimistic of getting a good result on Sunday.

“Football is win, draw or lose. Unfortunately we lost against Germany but we have worked extra hard to make sure that we plug the loopholes so that we will be able to forge ahead because we need to win on Friday,” said Olowookere.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Musa Gusau spoke with the players on Thursday, encouraging them to work hard for a win on Friday.

“I spoke to the girls after the match against Germany to cheer them up, and I have spoken to them and their officials today for them to appreciate the enormity of the task before them, because the NFF and indeed, all Nigerians, want them to proceed to the knock-out stages.

“They must work hard at converting their opportunities. They must play to their strengths and do the best they can to emasculate the opposition.

“A good win against New Zealand will be a great confidence-booster for the team going into the crunch encounter with Chile on Monday,” Gusau said through the Federation’s spokesman.

The match between Nigeria and New Zealand will kick off at 12pm Nigerian time on Friday.