Former Nigeria U-17 women’s national team coach Bankole Olowookere believes the Flamingos have the quality to challenge for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title but has warned that tactical discipline, concentration and effective game management will be essential as they enter the knockout stage, Sports247.ng reports.
Nigeria will face Mexico in the round of 16 on Thursday, October 29, in Morocco, having recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to secure qualification with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea.
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Olowookere, who previously handled the Flamingos, expressed confidence in the team’s potential while stressing that improvement in attacking play must be accompanied by greater tactical awareness.
“This is the World Cup, where everything matters, and you have to be tactically sound at this level,” he said.
The coach acknowledged the progress made by the Nigerian youngsters since their opening match, particularly in their attacking combinations, confidence in possession and ability to convert chances.
However, he cautioned against allowing opponents to dictate the tempo of matches, insisting that the players must remain committed to their tactical approach regardless of the pressure.
“Maintain your game pattern, maintain your control, and then maintain your focus while at the World Cup,” Olowookere advised.
He also challenged the players to remain focused on the team’s collective ambition rather than become distracted by individual performances or the excitement surrounding their progress.
“You want to win the World Cup, and I know this team can win the World Cup,” he declared.
The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before responding with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico. They subsequently produced their most impressive performance of the tournament, defeating DPR Korea 3-1 through goals from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf.
The result secured second place in Group B and set up a knockout encounter with Mexico, who also recovered from an opening defeat before progressing from Group F.
With a quarter-final place at stake, Olowookere believes Nigeria must combine their growing attacking confidence with the tactical organisation and composure needed to overcome stronger opposition.
His message is clear: the Flamingos have demonstrated their potential, but sustaining that progress will require discipline, concentration and the ability to control crucial moments in matches.
