Flamingos eye U-17 World Cup trophy as Olowookere calls Morocco ‘Nigeria’s land of blessings’

Bankole Olowookere, head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, has declared his belief that Morocco will once again be a land of blessings for Nigerian football as the Flamingos prepare for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year.

The tournament, scheduled from October 17 to November 8, is the first time Morocco hosts the competition and the first of five successive editions to be held in the North African country. It will also be the first expanded edition, featuring 24 teams from across the globe.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been drawn into what many consider their best opportunity yet to win the prestigious title. Despite consistently qualifying, missing only one of the previous eight editions, the Flamingos have never lifted the trophy. The closest they came was a third-place finish in 2022 under Olowookere’s guidance. He also led the team to a quarterfinal appearance in 2024.

Now, with renewed confidence and an eye on destiny, the coach believes the stars could finally align in Morocco.

What Olowookere said of Nigeria’s World Cup challenge 

“After our seniors (Super Falcons) achieved that might, I’ve called Morocco ‘the land of blessings for Nigeria in year 2025’ and I’m a bit spiritual about my football. If anybody has done something good in this world you’ve to follow that step,” Olowookere told Brila FM via the Nation.

“I’ve seen something that they’ve done and I’ve been able to put it into my own program too as well so I can get something better,” he continued.

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Olowookere is drawing inspiration from the Super Falcons’ remarkable WAFCON win last month, where they staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback final victory against hosts Morocco to clinch a historic 10th continental crown.

“So, the land of Morocco this year is for Nigeria. I’m seeing it by the grace of God, as God lives this year is Nigeria’s time, it’s our period. We’re going there to achieve,” he declared.

The 2025 edition will see five African nations, including host Morocco, join teams from Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania in the expanded global youth championship.

“Even the men too as well. It’s a land of destiny that God has given us. I’ve stepped into that place and work is going on, it’s not something that we can just go and pick,” Olowookere added.

“We’re going to work towards it. The players are working hard, the technical [crew] are working hard to achieve it for Nigeria.”

North Korea are the defending champions, having lifted the title for the third time in 2024.

The 9th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Morocco between October 17 and November 8.