Head coach of Flamingos, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Bankole Olowookere, says his players are ready to make a statement at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday to conclude their final phase of preparations for the tournament. The team has enjoyed an excellent run of form, winning all ten friendly matches played in Abuja, scoring 44 goals and conceding none.
Speaking to thenff.com, Olowookere praised the attitude and determination of his squad. “This group has shown great attitude and unity,” he said. “They understand what it means to represent Nigeria, and I believe they can achieve something special in Morocco.”
Nigeria has been drawn in Group D alongside France, Canada, and Samoa. The Flamingos will begin their campaign on Sunday, October 19, when they take on Canada in what promises to be a tough but exciting opening match.
Meanwhile, former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has been named among the Class of 2026 inductees into the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.
The 69-year-old American will be honoured alongside three other coaches during the 86th United Soccer Coaches Convention, which will be held from January 12 to 17, 2026, in Philadelphia, United States.
Waldrum, who managed the Super Falcons from 2020 to 2024, guided the Nigerian women’s team to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also led them to a fourth-place finish at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Before taking charge of Nigeria, he coached the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team and enjoyed a long and successful coaching career across college and professional football in the U.S.
