NFF’s Sanusi Commends Flamingos, Calls for Continued Support

Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, has expressed pride in the Flamingos’ performance at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Despite their 0-2 quarter final loss to the USA, Sanusi highlighted the team’s impressive group stage achievements, where they won all three matches, scoring nine goals and conceding just one. Sanusi recalled the team’s past success, noting their victory over the USA on the same stage two years ago, which led to a bronze medal finish. He stressed the importance of continued support to help these players transition into future U20 roles.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere acknowledged the team’s struggle in converting opportunities during their match against the USA. He stated, The girls created opportunities but the ball just wouldn’t go in. The Americans took their chances, and that is football for you. Olowookere is now focusing on preparing a stronger team for upcoming competitions as the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup shifts to an annual event, with Morocco set to host the next five editions.

Editorial

The Flamingos’ journey at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup deserves more than just acknowledgement it calls for a celebration of resilience and potential. The commendation from NFF’s Dr Sanusi and the insights from coach Olowookere reflect the reality that football is as much about learning from setbacks as it is about winning. This squad’s strong group stage performance showcases their capability and hints at a promising future for women’s football in Nigeria.

Investing in these young talents by fostering their growth and giving them the necessary support to transition to the U20 team is essential. Such efforts not only strengthen the pipeline of future Super Falcons players but also inspire the next generation of girls in Nigeria who dream of football stardom. With the upcoming shift to an annual tournament format, consistent development and support are key to ensuring that the Flamingos continue to shine on the world stage.

As the team regroups and reflects, fans and stakeholders alike should rally behind them, recognizing that true champions are built through experience, persistence, and unwavering support.

Did You Know?

1. The Flamingos scored an impressive 13 goals during their group stage matches at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
2. Nigeria previously secured a bronze medal at the U17 Women’s World Cup two years ago after defeating the USA in the quarter finals.
3. The 2024 tournament marks one of the last before the competition transitions to an annual schedule, starting with Morocco hosting the next editions.
4. The NFF aims to build a continuous development path for young players, enhancing their chances of joining the U20 and senior national teams.
5. Nigeria’s women’s football teams have consistently demonstrated strong performances in youth competitions, contributing to the growth of women’s sports in the country.