The seventh edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals begin in India today, with Nigeria’s Flamingos saddled with one of the hardest nuts to crack, Germany, as their first opponents.
Both countries take to the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium in Goa from 8 pm India time (4 pm Nigeria time) in what is the second match of Group B, at the same time as hosts India take on the USA at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in what is the official opening match of the competition.
Earlier, as of 12.30 pm Nigeria time, Nigeria’s group B opponents Chile and New Zealand will clash in Goa, while group A teams Morocco and Brazil also battle it out in Bhubaneswar.
The biennial competition for the world’s teenage girl-child, launched in New Zealand in 2008, did not take place in the year 2020 as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.
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Head Coach Bankole Olowookere assured that his girls know what they are up against at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium: “We are excited to be starting the tournament by playing against one of the strongest women’s teams in the universe. It is a good challenge because if you’re going to win trophies, you must beat the best teams.
“Our focus is on getting the three points at stake, which will boost our confidence for the remaining games of the group phase and going forward in the competition.
“Playing a strong team at the beginning should not present any apprehension. It is an opportunity to start with your best team and best tactics, and be vigilant to utilize the opportunities and possibilities that present themselves within the 90 minutes,” Olowookere added.
After a 10-day training camp in the Turkish city of Kocaeli, and a barnstorming African qualifying campaign that saw them winning five of six matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, and Ethiopia, Olowokeere believes his Flamingos are ready for the big duels.
After their first match of the campaign against Germany in Goa on Tuesday, Nigeria will take on 2018 World Cup bronze medallists New Zealand on Friday, 14th October also in Goa (from 12.30 pm), before flying to Bhubaneswar to take on Chile on Monday, 17th October (also as from 12.30 pm).