Nigeria’s Flamingos are feeling highly motivated to reach the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals at the expense of Colombia whom they play in the first semi-final this afternoon.
Already, the Flamingos have become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, after eliminating the United States in sensational fashion last Friday.
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This afternoon, history-making Coach Bankole Olowookere will again bank on goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Miracle Usani, Tumininu Adeshina, Comfort Folorunsho and Blessing Emmanuel, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Alvine Dah-Zossu and Blessing Sunday, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Edidiong Etim and Aminat Omowunmi Bello.
The Flamingos’ fire-power is not in doubt, having scored a total of eight goals in open play, conceding four. They have put a total of 36 shots on target, making them the side that has created the most opportunities of the four teams left in the competition.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Benue State FA and member of the NFF Executive Committee, Rt. Hon. Margaret Mwuese Icheen, has charged the Flamingos to go all out for victory against Colombia.
The former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly said the superlative performances of the girls so far are strong indications of the good things to come for Nigerian football.
She, therefore, called on Nigerians to pray for the Flamingos to keep winning as they are now highly favoured to win the coveted trophy.
“I want to congratulate the girls and urge them to do everything humanly possible to reach the finals. They are facing a very strong opposition no doubt but I believe they have what is required to surmount the hurdle before them.
“Nigerians, especially the NFF board, are fully behind them. The new NFF president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, is already in Goa to lead the increasing support for the girls so I believe they are not going to lack any motivation.
“By the performance of the Flamingos, it is clear that the future is very bright for Nigerian football. The new NFF board is committed to repositioning the game of football in the country,” said Icheen.
“I, therefore, implore all football-loving Nigerians to continue to pray for the Flamingos. The team needs our prayers,”