Flamingos Determined to Seal World Cup Qualification Against South Africa - Coach Bankole Olowookere

As the Nigerian U-17 Women’s team, the Flamingos, prepare to take on South Africa's Bantwana in the return leg of their 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifying tie, head coach Bankole Olowookere has made it clear that his team is leaving nothing to chance.

The Flamingos secured a comfortable 3-1 victory in the first leg held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, last Saturday. Goals from Harmony Chidi (brace) and Shakirat Moshood gave the West Africans a much-needed advantage heading into the second leg scheduled to be played in Ikenne this Saturday.

No Room for Complacency

Despite the first-leg advantage, Olowookere emphasized that the job is far from finished. Speaking to thenff.com, the gaffer said:

“We are very much aware of the fact that it is never over until it is over. It will be foolish to assume otherwise. Yes, we won 3-1 away in South Africa, but the contest is still alive. That is our mentality. That has been at the heart of our preparations since we returned from Pretoria.”

Olowookere also highlighted the importance of mental strength and focus, revealing that he and his assistants have been working tirelessly to ensure the players remain concentrated and disciplined.

“No loss of concentration is allowed. Our objective is to win on Saturday and make sure of a place in the final qualifying round.”

Potential Final Round Clash

The winner of this tie will proceed to face either Botswana or Algeria in the final qualifying round. Botswana currently holds the advantage after a 2-1 home win against Algeria in their first-leg encounter.

Opinion: A Display of Determination and Professionalism

Olowookere’s approach is a masterclass in professionalism and focus. Instead of allowing his team to get carried away by the first-leg win, he is drilling into them the importance of consistency and finishing the job convincingly.

This mentality shows why the Flamingos remain one of the most promising teams in African women’s football. It is also a reminder of the importance of mental strength and discipline, which has proven to be the difference between success and failure on the big stage.

One can only hope that the girls stay true to their coach’s words and finish the task in style. With their eyes firmly set on the final qualifying round, the Flamingos are determined to fly high.

But the question remains: Can they maintain their composure and deliver the result that Nigerians are eagerly awaiting?