Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere says his team’s failure to convert their chances contributed to the defeat to Canada, reports Completesports.com.
Olowookere’s side lost 4-1 to Canada in their opening fixture at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday night.
Gabriela Istocki gave Canada the lead after two minutes.
Nigeria equalised through Queen Joseph in the 30th minute.
Read Also:2025 U-17 WWC: Ajibade Reacts To Flamingos 4-1 Defeat To Canada
The Canadians however scored thrice in the second half through Julia Amireh (brace), and Melisa Kekic.
Olowookere Rues Missed Chances
Olowookere declared that it is important for his team to learn from their mistakes ahead of subsequent games.
“This was a huge game. Sometimes mistakes happen. We had our chances at the first half. We didn’t take advantage of them and we paid dearly for it,”Olowookere was quoted FIFA.com.
“I think it’s a lesson we’ll keep learning, and then we’ll go back and watch how we played and see how we bounce back.”
The Flamingos will take on France in their next game in Rabat on Wednesday.
By Adeboye Amosu
8 Comments
What chances is this coach talking about? The Canadians were a much better team, a very good coached team. The Flamingoes were physically stronger but were just running everywhere. Two of the goals scored in the second half were as a result of one of the central defenders out of position twice. The subs of the Flamingoes brought nothing into the match when they came in.
I just think it’s a case of a bad coached team. Our coaches really need to upgrade themselves.
Ndi Nigeria coaches are good. Ngwa Nigeria coaches are fantastic. How market na?
That’s the problem with these farmers we call coaches , when as a coach you don’t admit your team needs improvement but keeps consoling yourself that the team missed many scoring chances when they actually played nothing except moving the ball left and right up and down the field. Playing air ball when it’s obvious your opponent are taller and can control the ball very well.
Gbam!
I didn’t watch the match but you need to know it’s just the first match, they might pick up and still go through to the next round.
Only God know where I dey see my hope walahi, me self they tire for myself. Our football is dead and it really need serious attention.
The coaches seems to perform worst than their previous World Cup. Same thing happened with Manu Garba from winning the World Cup to unable to qualify. Reason is because they start taking bribe after building track record. Nepotism at the highest level was to see him drop Chidi Harmony who partners with Moshood. Corruption breeds failure. I blame the coach and his accomplices.
@Chima, you are truly wealthy and wise. Thumbs up for this comment.
The coach has penchant for packing players from one section of the country. I raised this concern during his maiden outing as the coach of this team but he appears not to learn from past errors. Are these the best U-17 girls available in this country?