The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended the U17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, for their remarkable performance.
Sanusi commended them when returned from the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The Flamingos lost 2:0 to the United States in the competition quarter-final.
“The Nigeria Football Federation is proud of the Flamingos and the efforts they put into the competition. Two years ago, they defeated the USA on penalties at the same stage, on their way to collecting the bronze medals. That is football for you,” Sanusi said, underscoring the unpredictability of the sport.
He added that the players displayed unwavering commitment in every game, particularly in the group stages, where they emerged as dominant contenders.
In Group A, the Flamingos showcased their prowess, securing all nine points available by sweeping through each match.
They achieved a commanding 4-1 victory over New Zealand, convincingly defeated Ecuador 4-0, and narrowly overcame the host nation, Dominican Republic, with a 1-0 scoreline.
Across these games, they netted a total of nine goals and conceded only one, cementing their place in the quarter-finals with an exceptional record.
Reflecting on their performance, Dr. Sanusi said, “If you watched their games, you will agree that the girls put up a great fight in every match. They created several chances against the USA but were quite unlucky. This is a good team, and the players must be encouraged going forward. I believe a good number of them have the skill, temperament, and discipline to progress to the U20 squad.”
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere also expressed pride in his team’s determination, attributing the USA defeat to sheer misfortune on the day, despite their relentless efforts.
“Against the USA, it was simply not our day. The girls created opportunities but the ball just wouldn’t go in. The Americans took their chances, and that is football for you,” Olowookere stated, affirming his resolve to begin preparations for an even stronger Flamingos team.
The 2024 edition marks the final biennial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, with the tournament set to shift to an annual format starting in 2025.
Morocco has been confirmed as the host for the next five tournaments, promising more consistent opportunities for emerging talents.
