TheCable

Bankole Olowookere, head coach of the Flamingos, says his players will emerge victorious against their Columbian counterparts in the semi-final of the U17 Women’s World Cup.

According to NAN, the coach spoke from the team’s base in Goa, India, on Monday.

Nigeria advanced to the semi-final of the competition for the first time ever after defeating the US via a shootout.

The match finished 1-1 at full time with goals from Omamuzo Edafe and Amalia Villareal for the respective teams.

Flamingos are billed to play Colombia in the penultimate round after the South Americans defeated Tanzania 3-0 to qualify.

Speaking on the forthcoming encounter, Olowookere said the Nigerian team is willing to work hard to win the match.

He added that the players must not underestimate their abilities and remain positive.

“We are at the crucial time of the championship now. We thank God for bringing us so far to this level,” the Flamingos coach said.

“The most important thing for me now… who says we cannot have our way and play the final match?

“We, the coaches need to do more, and especially, the players also need to work hard; they have gone so far and they must end the journey with victory.

“They need to be more serious, and concentrate on their game and they should not see any team or player superior to them.

“They will continue to play as a team and they must always wear the winning spirit at the back of their mind; they will make us victorious at the end of this match.”

Nigeria will play Colombia on Wednesday at 12 noon. The winner of the game will progress into the competition’s final to face either Germany or Spain.