“Not a team to be taken for granted” – Olowookere reacts as Flamingos gear up for Ecuador clash

Flamingos head coach, Bankole Olowookere, has revealed the team’s strategy as they prepare for their second group game at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

Following an impressive 4-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening match, Olowookere emphasized the importance of focusing on each match individually as they set their sights on Ecuador.

“Our tournament strategy is to focus on the next match, take it one match at a time. We need not look farther than the next match, and now, we have Ecuador in our sights,” Olowookere said, as quoted by NFF Coms. “The Ecuadorians have shown, with their defeat of the host nation, that they may be debutants but not a team to be taken for granted.”

The Flamingos kicked off their campaign in style, with early goals from Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Adegoke, and Fareedat Abdulwaheeb putting them in firm control.

Team captain Taiwo Afolabi added a fourth goal in the second half, while New Zealand managed a consolation goal through Hannah Saxon.

Nigeria’s dominant performance has raised expectations as they now aim for another win that could secure their place in the knockout stages.

“We know that three points in that game will all but get us into the knock-out stage. It is an opportunity we will not allow to slip out of our hands,” the coach added.

Meanwhile, despite the team’s strong start, Olowookere remains cautious, praising Ecuador’s performance in their 2-0 win over hosts Dominican Republic. He stressed that the Flamingos must not underestimate their South American opponents.

The Flamingos will take on Ecuador on Saturday, October 19, as Nigeria pushes towards securing an early ticket to the knockout rounds.