Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere has declared that Nigeria’s U-17 girls, will go all out for a high-margin victory when they take on Algeria in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round on Saturday in Ikenne.
Speaking to thenff.com, Olowookere explained the importance of securing a big result at home in order to ease the pressure ahead of next week’s second leg in Blida.
“We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere said.
“I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round.”
“Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.”
Ikenne Fortress: Remo Stars Stadium Set for Flamingos’ Crucial Test
The Remo Stars Stadium will host Saturday’s tie, the same venue where the Flamingos defeated South Africa 2-0 in the previous round.
Having recorded a 3-1 victory in Pretoria and a 2-0 win at home in their last round, the Flamingos are banking on familiar turf to secure a massive advantage before traveling to Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida for the second leg on Friday, April 25.
Harmony, Shakirat, Aishat to Lead Attack against Algeria
Olowookere is counting on his prolific frontline to get the job done.
Harmony Chidi, with 16 goals in World Cup qualifying matches, remains Nigeria’s deadliest weapon.
She scored 13 goals during qualifiers for the last edition in the Dominican Republic.
Also in the spotlight is midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who netted four goals at the last World Cup and was pivotal in the Flamingos’ 3-1 away win against South Africa.
Aishat Animashaun, another bright spark in the victory over the Bantwana, is expected to play a key role once again.
Olowookere is confident his trusted players can make a statement
Eyes on Morocco: Final Hurdle Before the Big Stage
Victory over Algeria across both legs will seal Nigeria’s place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco, scheduled for October 17 to November 5.
Having finished third at the last edition in 2022, the Flamingos are eager to return to the global stage and go even further and Bankole Olowookere targets dominant first-leg display in Ikenne as Nigeria bids for U17 Women’s World Cup ticket
