Newscenter Media News The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally welcomed the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, from the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic.
The gallant team crashed out of the competition following a 2-p defeat to USA in the quarter-final, despite winning all three group stage games to advance.
General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said the ladies put up a good fight and need to be encouraged despite their elimination.
The scribe was quoted as saying, “Two years ago, they (Flamingos) defeated the USA on penalties at the same stage, on their way to collecting the bronze medals. That is football for you.
“If you watched their games, you will agree that the girls put up a great fight in every match. They swept through their group phase, collecting the maximum nine points and scoring nine goals while conceding only one.
“I believe a good number of them have the skill, temperament and discipline to progress to the U20 squad.”
Read Also: Flamingos to face USA in U-17 W’Cup quarterfinals after 100% group stage run
The Flamingos’ delegation returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after the loss in Santiago de los Caballeros ended their race in the tournament.
The girls had spanked New Zealand 4-1, routed Ecuador 4-0 and pipped host nation Dominican Republic 1-0 in winning their Group A.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said:
“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. We will start work immediately at raising an even stronger team for the next edition, as the tournament is now annual and the work must start now.”
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic will be the last to be played on biennial basis, with the competition to be played yearly from next year and Morocco to host the first five editions.
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