Anthony Nlebem.
Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere says getting to the semi-finals of the U-17 Women’s World Cup is not enough and has assured Nigerians the technical crew is working hard to ensure that the Flamingos get to the final.
Flamingos face Colombia in the semis on Wednesday, following the South Americans’ 3-0 win over Tanzania in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
“We can do more and that is how I tell my girls, we have done well reaching this stage, but we can do better,” Olowookere said.
“We are in the semi-finals and who says we can’t get to the final? We are putting our strategy together and with the help of God we will play in the final, and that is the expectation of millions of Nigerians.”
Flamingos captain Alvine Dah-Zossu and Omamuso Edafe, who converted the penalty that fired the Flamingos to the last four, have also assured Nigerian that Flamingos will go all out against Colombia in their semi-final clash.
“I feel excited because this is the first time our U-17 women have ever made it to the semi-final,” Dah-Zossu said.
“Yes, I am sure, we have what it takes to push to the final. I am so eager to play because I have missed two matches because of my injury, but I’m happy getting back on the pitch.”
Edafe added, “I was not under pressure (taking the winning penalty against USA) because I believe in God and myself that we are going to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the semis.
“Yes, we have the confidence that we will play in the final and carry the cup back home to Nigeria.”