Flamingos battle Germany in Nigeria’s opening game

The Flamingos will begin their campaign at the ongoing India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup, today, with a tough group game against Germany.

It is one of the toughest games of the opening day of the competition, which will kick off with the hosts taking on giants, United States, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Nigeria’s Group B game against Germany, second match of the zone, will hold at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium in Goa from 8.00 p.m. India time, which is 4.00 p.m. in Nigeria.

According to the official programme, Group B’s other teams, Chile and New Zealand, will clash in Goa by 12.00 p.m., while group A teams, Morocco and Brazil also battle it out in Bhubaneswar.
 
The biennial competition for the world’s teenage girl/child, launched in New Zealand in 2008, did not take place in the year 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
Looking forward to a good opener against Germany, Flamingos Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere, told thenff.com that his girls know what they are up against at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium.

“We are excited to be starting the tournament by playing against one of the strongest women teams in the universe. It is a good challenge because if you’re going to win trophies, you must beat the best teams.
 
“Our focus is on getting the three points at stake, which will boost our confidence for the remaining games of the group phase and going forward in the competition.” He believes that playing against a tough opponent in their opening game would set the pace for a successful campaign in India.

“It is an opportunity to start with your best team and best tactics, and be vigilant to utilize the opportunities and possibilities that present themselves within the 90 minutes,” Olowookere added.
 
After a 10-day training camp in the Turkish city of Kocaeli, and a barnstorming African qualifying campaign that saw them winning five of six matches against Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia, Olowokeere believes his Flamingos are ready for the big duels.
 
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is the other venue that will host matches during the competition. After their first match of the campaign against Germany in Goa today, Nigeria will take on 2018 World Cup bronze medallists, New Zealand, on Friday, also in Goa (as from 12.30 p.m.), before flying to Bhubaneswar to take on Chile on October 17 (also as from 12.30 p.m.).
 
Africa’s other representatives – Morocco and Tanzania – also have their work cut out, with Morocco playing hosts India, USA and Brazil in group A while Tanzania are up against Japan, Canada and France in group D Cup holders Spain head group C that also includes defending vice-champions Mexico, Colombia and China.