Head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, Bankole Olowookere, has restated his firm belief in preparation as the bedrock of success, as the team intensifies early groundwork ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking on the team’s strategy, goals, and early plans, Olowookere revealed that Nigeria’s preparations began even before the World Cup draws were held.
He spoke on his commitment to putting together a competitive and historic squad.
“Either we won the World Cup last time, or we got anything or we didn’t get anything, the major thing is preparation,” Olowookere said.
“There’s no shortcut to any success than preparation. And that’s what we have embarked on.”
Scouting Beyond Borders, Eyeing New Talents
Olowookere, who previously led Nigeria’s U-17s to a quarterfinal finish at the last edition, revealed that the team has already been active in scouting talent, both locally and internationally as part of the groundwork for the tournament.
“As I’m telling you, at the recent sport festival, we’re able to detect some numbers of players that we know that, at least if not two, few of them can make it to the national team if they join the training,” he noted.
“So we are not waiting, we’re moving around to see this even collecting some of those guys around the country.”
“So the preparation has started already, even before the draws.”
Mission: History and Pride for Nigeria
Looking beyond just participation, Olowookere made his ambitions clear that this team is not just preparing.
The coach said preparation started even before the World Cup draw, as the team targets success under the current NFF administration.
He assured that the Falconets are preparing to win, and to be part of something greater than themselves.
“So we are working hard. The boys have done it before. I want to make history for Nigeria,” he said with conviction.
“The girls want to make history. My technical crew want to.”
“In fact, I want to be part of the success of this parent administration of Nigeria Football Federation.”
“And I think it’s going to be a great thing for the whole of Nigeria, if this girl can bring that glory, that pride back to Nigeria. And that’s what we are working on.”
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled for October, and with the backing of the NFF, and the hunger of a new generation of players, Nigeria’s U-17 women are aiming to compete and conquer.
